The political deadlock over the chief ministerial position in Karnataka continues, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stating on Saturday that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are awaiting a call from the Congress party's high command for a final decision.
Factional Push and the Delhi Wait
This statement comes amid heightened speculation, particularly after the Congress government crossed its halfway mark on November 20. Reports had emerged that legislators from Shivakumar's faction had camped in Delhi to lobby the party leadership for his elevation as the next chief minister.
When questioned about a potential joint visit to Delhi to meet the high command, Shivakumar clarified, "The high command said that they are going to call both of us when the perfect time comes. We will wait for the call." This indicates the ball is firmly in the court of the central leadership.
Breakfast Diplomacy Fails to Break Impasse
Despite attempts to project unity, including two shared breakfast meetings between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar within a week, the underlying tension persists. These outreach efforts were reportedly prompted by the Congress high command's nudge for a united front ahead of the crucial Belagavi legislature session starting December 8.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Shivakumar had previously claimed there existed "a confidential understanding on leadership transition among five-six leaders" shortly after the Congress's landslide victory in the 2023 state elections.
High Command's Acknowledgment and Promised 'Medicine'
For the first time, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge publicly acknowledged the internal power struggle. While downplaying the conflict, he confirmed the high command's involvement. "People in the high command — Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and I — will sit together and deliberate on this… We will give the medicine when required," Kharge stated, signaling that a resolution will be orchestrated from the top.
He expressed confidence in resolving the issue, saying, "Only the people there can say what the government is doing. But I would like to say that we will resolve such issues." This marks a clear admission that the leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and his deputy is a reality the party must now formally address.
The political atmosphere in Karnataka remains charged as all stakeholders await the decisive intervention from the Congress high command, which holds the key to ending the prolonged stalemate.
