Karnataka’s ruling Congress is gripped by a leadership showdown, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah signaling Tuesday that the party’s high command holds the decisive gavel. His stance aims to cool rising frictions with ambitious Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.
Responding to Shivakumar’s nod to clear party-brokered dialogues, Siddaramaiah demurred: ‘No remarks on that. Their decision is final—ask him yourself. I’m set for whatever comes.’
Brushing off Delhi travel buzz, he prioritized local duties: ‘Budget demands my focus; I’ll go only if invited.’
Shivakumar’s budget meeting skip was attributed to a notified Delhi commitment for Assam elections.
On Supreme Court directives for seamless voter list revisions, Siddaramaiah held back: ‘Reviewing circumstances first.’
Shivakumar’s unity call masked subtle digs at public overtures like Yathindra’s, who vouched for his father’s term continuity under central protection.
This episode lays bare succession anxieties in a Congress stronghold. With budgets looming and national eyes on state stability, high command arbitration is crucial. A swift resolution could stabilize governance; delays might fuel speculation and erode public trust. Karnataka’s saga mirrors the party’s nationwide balancing act between veterans and rising stars.