The fragile peace within Karnataka's ruling Congress party shattered on Friday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, publicly presented conflicting narratives regarding a reported power-sharing agreement, reigniting the simmering leadership tussle.
Contradictory Statements Fuel Speculation
During a debate in the legislative assembly concerning North Karnataka's development, BJP members pressed Siddaramaiah for clarity on his continuation as Chief Minister. In a firm rebuttal, Siddaramaiah declared he never agreed to serve only a half term. "I feel the high command is on my side. I'm confident they will allow me to complete a five-year term," he stated, directly challenging the whispers of a rotational chief ministership.
He went a step further to categorically deny any pre-existing arrangement. "No such arrangement exists. I'm the CM and will remain so until the high command decides otherwise," Siddaramaiah clarified, outlining the process of leadership selection as first by the people, then by legislators, and finally ratified by the party high command.
Shivakumar's Nuanced Position
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, speaking from Ankola in Uttara Kannada district after a temple visit, offered a more nuanced take. While he acknowledged that Siddaramaiah became Chief Minister with the high command's support and claimed he never indicated the CM would not complete a full term, he also insisted that they have an arrangement and will abide by it.
Shivakumar emphasized that the government functions in "absolute consensus" and with the consent of the party leadership. "We are operating on a common wavelength with the blessings of our party leaders," he said, attempting to project unity even while his comments hinted at an underlying understanding.
Political Digs and Dinner Diplomacy
Siddaramaiah also took a subtle jab at the opposition BJP, referencing former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's tenure. "We are the producers, directors and actors, whereas you have a director," he said, alluding to Yediyurappa's early exit despite a promise of a full term.
The political drama extended beyond the assembly. On Friday night, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attended a dinner hosted by senior minister Satish Jarkiholi, along with several other ministers and legislators. This gathering followed a similar dinner on December 17 hosted by Jarkiholi for over 30 "like-minded" legislators, which Siddaramaiah had skipped. When asked about these meetings, Shivakumar downplayed their significance, saying, "What's wrong with that? Let them have dinner, it's a happy thing."
This fresh round of public contradictions ends an uneasy three-week truce and exposes the persistent fault lines within the Karnataka Congress. The conflicting statements from the state's top two leaders put the spotlight squarely back on the party's central leadership, whose intervention was crucial in forming the current power structure after the assembly elections. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of managing ambitions and maintaining stability within the coalition of interests that governs the state.
