The power struggle within Karnataka Congress has flared up again, with party MLA Iqbal Hussain claiming that more than 100 Congress legislators are in favour of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar replacing Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister. This open declaration has widened the rift within the Congress camp and reignited a long-standing leadership tussle that began after the 2023 Assembly elections. With Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala landing in Bengaluru for damage control, the issue has snowballed into a full-blown political crisis, raising fears that the party might not retain power in the 2028 elections if the leadership change isn’t addressed soon.
100 MLAs Back Shivakumar, Says MLA
Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain, seen as a close aide of DK Shivakumar, dropped a political bombshell when he claimed that over 100 MLAs in Karnataka were ready for a change in leadership. “It’s not just me. As Many as 100 MLAs are waiting for this moment. They want DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister because of his contributions to the party and his organisational strength. The Congress revival in Karnataka is largely due to his grassroots efforts as KPCC president,” Hussain told NDTV.
Hussain further warned that the Congress could face a severe electoral setback in the 2028 state elections if the change is not made now. “If this doesn’t happen, the people of Karnataka will punish us. The time for change is now. We must act in the interest of the party,” he added, making it clear that this is not mere speculation but a growing demand within the legislative ranks.
High Command on the Spot, Kharge Sidesteps the Question
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, when asked about the possibility of a leadership change, refused to offer a categorical denial. Instead, he passed the buck to the party’s high command. “This is in the hands of the high command. No one else can decide on this matter,” he said.
Kharge’s remarks have drawn criticism, with BJP calling it a “shameful admission.” BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Candid admission by Kharge ji that despite him being the President of INC, he isn’t the high command. Congress is a family-run party. Even a Dalit President is remote-controlled by the Parivar much like Dr MMS. No wonder Kharge was insulted during Rahul Gandhi’s birthday ad and Priyanka’s nomination.”
Political observers point out that Kharge’s unwillingness to intervene directly may only embolden the pro-Shivakumar camp and deepen internal dissent.
Rotational CM Formula: An Unkept Promise?
After Congress secured a victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar emerged as top contenders for the CM post. While Siddaramaiah was eventually chosen as the Chief Minister, Shivakumar was persuaded to accept the Deputy CM and state party chief roles. At the time, there were widespread rumours of a rotational chief ministership agreement, under which Shivakumar would take over the top post after two and a half years. However, the party never officially confirmed such a deal.
Now, with nearly half the term left and growing dissatisfaction among Shivakumar’s supporters, many are demanding the Congress high command honour what they believe was an internal agreement. “This is not about ambition. This is about justice. DK Shivakumar was promised his turn, and the high command should now fulfil it,” a Congress MLA said to NDTV on condition of anonymity.
Siddaramaiah Downplays Rift, Shows Unity Gesture
Siddaramaiah, currently touring Mysuru, has downplayed the crisis. “This government will complete its five-year term. It will be as strong as a rock (‘bande’),” he told the media, using a word that his supporters use to refer to him. Standing next to Shivakumar during the press conference, Siddaramaiah held his hand to symbolise unity and said, “We are on good terms. We don’t listen to outside rumours.”
Deputy CM Shivakumar, too, refrained from making any provocative statements, although sources close to him suggest he remains firm on his claim to the CM post.
Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, who arrived in Bengaluru to assess the situation, has dismissed speculation about a leadership change. “My visit is purely organisational. Talk of leadership change is a figment of imagination,” he told reporters.
Congress Faces Its Old Ghost : The CM Chair
The Congress party’s Karnataka unit is once again struggling with its oldest internal ghost leadership tug-of-war. With over 100 MLAs reportedly backing DK Shivakumar and open endorsements being made by prominent leaders like Iqbal Hussain, the pressure on the high command is mounting. If the leadership fails to act decisively, the crisis could erode party unity, damage governance, and affect its electoral chances in the long run.
At a time when Congress is hoping to present a united front nationally ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, infighting in a key state like Karnataka sends the wrong signal. Whether the high command acknowledges the demand for change or sticks with status quo will decide not just the future of Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah but possibly the future of Congress in Karnataka.