While Karnataka battles rising public grievances, internal discontent, and stagnating governance, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have both taken flight to New Delhi, ostensibly for “state projects”. But the timing of their trips tells another story one of a deepening leadership crisis within the Congress party. As the state simmers under poor administration and allegations of corruption, its top leaders are more preoccupied with political chess moves than solving real issues back home. Their presence in Delhi has exposed a shocking truth: the Congress government in Karnataka is in limbo, and governance has taken a backseat.
Delhi Darbar: Leaders Seek High Command’s Favour
Amid growing speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka, both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar arrived in the national capital to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. Though both leaders maintain that their visit is related to administrative matters, their simultaneous presence in Delhi has only fueled talk of a renewed power struggle.
This political spectacle comes despite party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala’s statement that leadership decisions lie with the high command. While Surjewala attempts to calm dissent back in Bengaluru, the reality is stark: the Congress party is more concerned with preserving internal hierarchies than delivering governance. Their Delhi trip underscores just how far removed the leadership is from the ground realities of Karnataka.
Shivakumar Denies Reshuffle, But Power Ambitions Bubble Over
Speaking to reporters, DK Shivakumar ruled out any immediate cabinet reshuffle, insisting there are no current plans to change the composition of the cabinet. Yet, in the same breath, he admitted to requesting a meeting with Sonia Gandhi and planning to meet Rahul Gandhi.
He also confirmed that discussions with Siddaramaiah and AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal are scheduled for Thursday. According to sources, the long-standing agreement made post-2023 Assembly elections that Shivakumar would eventually take over the CM post—is back in focus. Public statements aside, the backroom politics is unmistakable. The Deputy CM is clearly maneuvering for his chance at the top job.
Party Unrest Spills Into Public View
Discontent within the Congress legislature is no longer behind closed doors. Several MLAs have openly voiced frustration, not just about governance but about their own marginalization. Kagwad MLA Raju Kage threatened to resign over development delays in his constituency. Aland MLA B R Patil alleged corruption in housing schemes, a sentiment echoed by Belur Gopal Krishna who demanded Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan’s resignation.
Adding to the chaos, Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna hinted at a “major development” in September, further fueling speculation of a leadership shift. Meanwhile, MLA H A Iqbal Hussain openly backed DK Shivakumar for the CM post, only to be served a show-cause notice by his own party.
The situation is spiraling. Even DK Shivakumar’s brother, former MP D K Suresh, declared that the CM’s post is “not vacant,” contradicting the murmurs within the party. Despite repeated calls by the high command to maintain silence, Congress leaders continue to wash their dirty linen in public.
A Government Frozen in Inaction
The Congress party’s internal tussle has left Karnataka with a government in name only. While its top leaders camp in Delhi, chasing political ambitions and appeasing the Gandhi family, the state’s critical issues remain unaddressed. Floods, farmer grievances, rising corruption complaints, and infrastructure stagnation have all been pushed to the back burner.
Siddaramaiah, who claims he will complete a five-year term, appears more focused on consolidating his position than fulfilling his promises. DK Shivakumar, despite repeated public shows of loyalty, is leaving no stone unturned in his attempt to secure the Chief Ministership. The people of Karnataka, meanwhile, are left to watch a Congress soap opera unfold while real governance comes to a grinding halt.
Congress in Disarray, Karnataka Pays the Price
What’s happening in Karnataka is not just a routine political tussle; it is a damning indictment of Congress’ inability to prioritize governance over power. With Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar busy lobbying in Delhi, Karnataka has been reduced to collateral damage in an ongoing battle for supremacy.
The BJP has been quick to point out this misgovernance, with state president BY Vijayendra suggesting that Surjewala’s current meetings in Bengaluru are likely groundwork for a leadership transition. The ruling party’s dysfunction is only bolstering the opposition’s narrative: that Congress, even after winning the mandate, is incapable of delivering.
As the drama continues to unfold in Delhi, one thing is certain Karnataka deserves better than a government constantly distracted by its own power games.