The ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress has reached a boiling point, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s firmness on completing his full term reportedly unsettling the party’s central leadership. According to senior party sources, Siddaramaiah has categorically denied that any commitment was made in 2023 for a rotational Chief Ministership — a promise widely believed to have been offered to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar when the Congress returned to power last year.

This denial has left the Congress high command in a delicate bind. If it insists on honouring the 2023 understanding, the move could be perceived publicly as forcing out a popular Chief Minister. But if Siddaramaiah is allowed to continue uninterrupted, the party risks alienating loyal Congress cadres who feel sidelined by Siddaramaiah’s rise since he joined the party in 2008. Many original Congress leaders argue that Siddaramaiah’s newer supporters now occupy the most powerful positions in the government, deepening internal resentment.

High Command Under Pressure

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has spent the last several weeks conferring with senior Karnataka leaders — including B.K. Hariprasad, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and IT&BT Minister Priyank Kharge — to assess the growing factional divide. Sources say Rahul Gandhi conveyed his displeasure over Siddaramaiah’s supporters launching media campaigns that project him as the indispensable face of the Karnataka government.

Party strategists fear that an open confrontation or sudden leadership change could destabilize the government and damage the Congress’s only remaining stronghold in South India, apart from neighbouring Telangana.

The 2023 Formula Returns to Centre Stage

When the Congress won 135 seats in the 2023 Assembly elections, Shivakumar emerged as the strongest contender for Chief Minister, backed openly by Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi, however, leaned towards Siddaramaiah, influenced by his AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits) support base, which he believed could be replicated in other states.

Tensions peaked when Shivakumar reportedly offered to step down as KPCC President and refused any ministerial berth after learning Siddaramaiah was being considered for the top post. This stalemate led to a compromise formula: both leaders would share the CM post for two and a half years each, with Shivakumar serving as Deputy CM until his turn arrived.

Messages Delivered — But No Breakthrough Yet

According to insider accounts, Rahul Gandhi has since assured Shivakumar that the high command has not abandoned the agreement and that his political interests will be safeguarded. At the same time, Siddaramaiah has reportedly been asked to rein in his supporters to prevent further escalation.