As speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka intensifies, tensions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have become increasingly evident. The two senior Congress leaders have publicly taken divergent stances on two major issues — the socio-economic caste survey and the ongoing contractors’ protest over unpaid bills and alleged corruption.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has been vocal about the need for the caste survey, recently criticized prominent personalities who declined to participate, including Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and his wife, author Sudha Murthy. The couple had opted out, stating that their inclusion would not serve the purpose of the survey. They even submitted a written declaration that they were not economically, socially, or educationally backward.
Reacting sharply, Siddaramaiah remarked, “Are Infosys people Brihaspathis? The survey is not confined to backward communities alone. Even the central government will do it — will they not participate then?” His comments, however, came under fire after Narayana Murthy’s written statement surfaced on social media, raising concerns over the state government’s ability to safeguard personal data.
The opposition BJP and JD(S) accused the Congress government of violating court directives, which had earlier ruled that participation in the caste survey must remain voluntary and that citizens’ privacy must be protected.
Meanwhile, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar struck a more conciliatory tone, defending the Murthys’ decision. “The survey is voluntary, and no one can be forced to participate,” he said, distancing himself from the chief minister’s strong words.
Adding to the growing friction, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have also differed on how to handle the contractors’ protest. The Karnataka State Contractors Association has accused the government of corruption and claimed dues of over ₹33,000 crore from eight departments. The group alleged that the commission rates under the Congress regime have now exceeded those under the previous BJP government.
Unmoved by the accusations, Siddaramaiah urged contractors to approach the courts if they had evidence of corruption. In contrast, Shivakumar has called for a direct meeting with the contractors’ association to “sort out the issue amicably.”
