Congress Leadership Crisis Deepens: Kharge Struggles to Mediate as Siddaramaiah–DKS Factions Escalate Power Battle
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BENGALURU: The factional fight inside the Karnataka Congress has reached a critical stage, with the leadership battle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar intensifying by the day. While many in the party believed AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge—a veteran with nearly five decades of political experience—would step in as the key mediator, Kharge himself now appears increasingly helpless in resolving the crisis.
Kharge, despite being the tallest leader from Karnataka and the face of the party’s high command, has repeatedly stated that “the high command will decide everything”, signalling his limited room to intervene directly.
Siddaramaiah Meets Kharge; ‘High Command Will Decide on Tuesday’
CM Siddaramaiah met Kharge in Bengaluru late Tuesday evening in a closed-door meeting that went on for several hours. According to sources, Siddaramaiah conveyed that the ongoing internal turmoil could damage governance and urged Kharge to settle the issue swiftly.
Kharge is learnt to have assured the CM that he will take the matter to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress high command on Tuesday, requesting all factions to “maintain calm until then.”
CM’s Question to Rebel MLAs: ‘Why Did You Go to Delhi?’
The CM’s camp is visibly irritated with the Delhi parade of MLAs aligned with DK Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to have directly questioned some legislators:
“Why did you go to Delhi without informing? These tensions are affecting governance.”
In response, the CM’s loyalists have begun holding their own series of meetings to counter the DKS faction’s numerical claims.
DK Shivakumar Camp Pushes ‘Number Game’; Siddaramaiah Camp Strikes Back
While the DKS group continues projecting strength through frequent gatherings and strategic visits, the Siddaramaiah camp has launched a counter-offensive with:
- Strategic dinner meetings
- Consolidation of loyal ministers and MLAs
- Revival of the AICC press note dated 18 May 2023, which clearly states:
- “Siddaramaiah will be the Chief Minister”
- “DK Shivakumar will be the lone Deputy CM until Lok Sabha elections”
The CM camp is now questioning why DK Shivakumar is still holding the KPCC President’s post, even after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, if the same press note is to be followed.
Parameshwara Drops a Bombshell: ‘I am Also in the CM Race’
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara added fresh fuel to the crisis by declaring that he too remains a contender for the CM’s post:
“We are always in the race. In 2013, I was KPCC President and brought Congress to power. But I never claimed sole credit. Leadership should rotate.”
His statement was widely seen as a subtle jab at DK Shivakumar.
Transport Minister Satish Jarkiholi also indirectly countered DKS, arguing that the Congress returned to power due to the collective efforts of many—not just a few individuals.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah Enters the Field
CM Siddaramaiah’s son, Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, has begun district-level visits, meeting MLAs and party workers in Dharwad, Gadag and Hubballi. His presence has triggered fresh political interpretation amid speculation about succession politics.
Kharge’s Dilemma
Kharge continues to repeat:
“I have nothing to say. Whatever the high command decides… that is final.”
But with growing pressure from both factions, governance disruptions, and the BJP launching attacks, the Congress high command will now be forced to act.
Also Read: Kharge Breaks Silence on Karnataka CM Race: Says ‘Nothing to Say’, Leaves Decision to High Command
What Happens on Tuesday?
All eyes are now on the Delhi meeting scheduled for Tuesday, where Kharge is expected to brief Rahul Gandhi on Karnataka’s political instability.
Will the high command enforce peace or consider a leadership reshuffle?
The next 48 hours are crucial for the Congress government in Karnataka.
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