Party sources say the controversy points to an alleged arrangement dating back to May 2023, when some leaders reportedly agreed on power-sharing for the chief minister’s tenure. The alleged formula first 2.5 years for Siddaramaiah followed by the remainder for Shivakumar has become the focal point of renewed debate after remarks by senior party figures.
Leaders’ public posture: restraint and deference
Both leaders have avoided direct confrontation in public. Shivakumar described Siddaramaiah as “a senior leader” and an asset to the party, while promising loyalty and cautioning against public rows that could harm the organisation. Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, signalled that only the central leadership can settle the matter, urging the high command to “put a full stop to this confusion.”
High command to take the final call
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has underlined that the dispute is not a matter for public debate and said the final decision will be taken at the top after consultations with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Siddaramaiah’s public tone shifted after a November 22 meeting with Kharge, when he began deferring to the national leadership.
Political fallout and Delhi lobbying
Sources in Bengaluru say legislators supporting Shivakumar have travelled to Delhi to press their case, and that the deputy chief minister wants clarity before any ministerial reshuffle. Siddaramaiah’s camp rejects talk of any binding pact, pointing to his election as legislature party leader in 2023 and emphasising that changes should be handled formally within party structures.
Implications for governance and elections
Both camps insist administration and electoral focus will continue. Shivakumar emphasised the need to concentrate on budgetary duties and upcoming elections, while Siddaramaiah said MLAs are free to seek the high command’s view but must abide by its ruling. Opposition parties have used the episode to attack the government’s stability ahead of the winter legislature session.
What to watch next
With public discord avoided for now, all eyes are on Delhi the place where the final word is expected. The party’s top troika will be watched for how they balance organisational discipline, regional sentiment and electoral strategy in Karnataka.