As the Congress government in Karnataka celebrated its second anniversary with a massive rally in Hospet on Tuesday, what was meant to be a show of strength turned into a public display of internal discontent. The "Samarpan Sankalp – 2025" rally, graced by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior leaders, aimed to present a united front—but it instead laid bare the deepening cracks within the party.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, a key architect of the Congress’ 2023 electoral win, has reignited his long-standing ambition to become Chief Minister. In a bold move, Shivakumar reportedly handed over a list of 86 MLAs backing his leadership bid to Kharge, K.C. Venugopal, and Rahul Gandhi. Sources say he issued a stern warning that this could be his last attempt at the top post and hinted at reconsidering his political future in the party if sidelined again.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's faction is not ready to cede ground. In a strategic counter, they are pitching PWD Minister Sathish Jarkiholi—who, like Shivakumar, belongs to a backward community—as a potential successor if a leadership change becomes unavoidable. Yet, the intra-party feud deepens, with Jarkiholi reportedly threatening to resign if Shivakumar is elevated.

The central leadership’s earlier verbal promise of a power-sharing arrangement after two years now seems like a distant echo. As the high command remains non-committal, the Siddaramaiah camp is digging in its heels, determined to prevent Shivakumar's ascendancy.

Fueling further speculation, Shivakumar's recent meetings with senior BJP leaders in Delhi—including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Bhupender Yadav—have sent political circles buzzing. While Shivakumar has downplayed these interactions as routine, the timing couldn’t be more telling.

These developments come at a time when the BJP is grappling with internal disillusionment in its Karnataka unit. Yet, the party remains alert—and possibly ready to strike. With the Congress teetering on the edge of an internal collapse, BJP is eyeing an opportunity to woo disgruntled leaders and exploit the chaos.