The power debate within Karnataka continues to grow today with the meeting between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar at breakfast. After they greeted each other cordially before reporters, speculation about their tensions took over when Shivakumar brought up their previous agreement, and Siddaramaiah denied that it even happened. As such, the conversation resulted in no new developments for either leader, Karnataka Congress leadership crisis.
The Congress Party set up the breakfast in order for both leaders to have a calm environment to discuss ways to resolve their differences, as both are under increasing pressure from party colleagues and scrutiny from the public during an unclear political climate. Therefore, this meeting represented a substantial amount of pressure for both leaders, while at the same time, both leaders took firm positions. Sources indicate that neither leader demonstrated a willingness to compromise.
Leadership Deadlock Deepens Between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar
Shivakumar continued to reiterate his requests for Siddaramaiah to acknowledge their agreement; Siddaramaiah remained adamant that he had no recollection of any previous arrangement. Siddaramaiah stated he had a mandate for a full term of office. The differing accounts have created increasing levels of uncertainty within the Congress Party for leadership. They want to ensure unity going into critical legislative sessions and stability going into election cycles.
Siddaramaiah proposed a compromise alternative, suggesting that Shivakumar be named as the face of the party in 2028 to temporarily resolve the leaders’ expectations of each other. It is reported, however, that Shivakumar rejected this. Shivakumar has asked Siddaramaiah to honour his commitment. As such, the deadlock between the two continues.
Breakfast diplomacy hides tension beneath cordial optics.
After sharing breakfast together, both leaders spoke with reporters about the unity they anticipate moving forward, as well as putting an end to speculation regarding issues between them. Siddaramaiah referred to the need for a “breakfast meeting” to clear up “unwanted confusion” regarding any differences between them, stating, “There are no longer any differences between us,” with Shivakumar echoing the same sentiment in a “politically correct” manner. “Factionalism is not present in our party… we will work together with each other, to include everyone, and we will abide by the party’s high command,” Shivakumar said.
Despite this show of unity, sources within the party claim that the matter still remains unresolved. The “cooling down” of hostilities only lasted temporarily. The question of leadership continues to linger. Congress members recognise that there are increasing risks associated with this issue, and they want to ensure their discipline is implemented throughout the state unit and avoid being politically exploited by opponents.
Internal Pressure Mounts as Congress MLAs Split Over Leadership Change
There are also increasing pressures on several factions within the party. A group of MLAs is adamant about wanting a change of leadership immediately, while there are also many MLAs who support having Siddaramaiah continue with his leadership role for the present time. This divide plays into the longer-term strategy of the party and will be an important consideration for the Congress high command in deciding how to proceed.
Leadership debate shapes Congress’s strategy before crucial sessions.
According to insiders, Congress won’t make a decision anytime soon. The Parliament’s Winter Session starts tomorrow, while Karnataka’s assembly session starts on December 8. Karnataka Congress leadership crisis, After December 20, the leadership will make final decisions regarding this issue, which gives politicians some time to work things out with each other right now and gives them a chance to negotiate with each other in the future.
Shivakumar may be willing to approve the phased transition. Today’s sources have provided several reasons to support this opinion. He has the potential to receive cabinet gains during the reshuffle, he retains his power as the state president, and he does not have enough strength to challenge them. Therefore, it is likely that he will compromise with them.
Congress Seeks Stability as Key Caste Alliances Shape Leadership Decisions
Siddaramaiah still needs to have a coalition of caste-based groups. His caste of AHINDA is responsible for a large part of strengthening Congress. In the same way, Shivakumar provides Congress with the influence of Vokkaliga support. It could be detrimental for Congress to distance itself from either group at this stage; therefore, it is crucial to handle the leadership situation with care.
Both leaders parted ways after their breakfast meeting, stating one thing: they will do whatever Rahul Gandhi determines. Therefore, the Congress high command now directs Congress through the upcoming chapters.
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