The political drama in Karnataka has once again escalated, with an open leadership struggle emerging within the ruling Congress party. The verbal sparring between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, which was previously simmering beneath the surface, has now broken out into direct public exchanges. The turmoil became evident on Thursday when Deputy CM D, while k. Shivakumar initiated a 'word' war, emphasizing the importance of promises, only to be met. With a swift counter-attack from CM Siddaramaiah, who used similar language to assert his position.
DK Shivakumar's 'Word' Play
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar first made his point through an image on social media platform X, reminding everyone about the power of 'words' and 'promises'. This post was widely interpreted as a subtle reminder to the party high command about an alleged promise to make him the Chief Minister for the second half of the state government's five-year term, while the timing of the post was significant, coming shortly after the Congress government in the state completed its initial 2. 5 years in office on November 20. Shivakumar's post stated, “The power of words is the true power of the world. The greatest power in the world is to keep one's word. Be it judges, presidents, or anyone, even myself, everyone should act according to their promises. The power of words is the true power of the world. ” This statement directly alluded to the unconfirmed agreement regarding a rotational chief ministership.
The Unofficial 2
While the Congress party has never officially confirmed any 2. 5-year rotational chief minister formula after winning the 2023 elections, supporters of D. K. Shivakumar have consistently made claims about such an arrangement, while shivakumar himself had recently alluded to a 'secret deal' among some individuals, a statement that the party leadership didn't clarify. This lack of official denial has fueled speculation that such an agreement indeed exists, and the completion of 2, while 5 years in power has brought the issue to the forefront. Shivakumar's social media post is thus seen as a calculated political move, aimed. At pressuring the high command to honor what he perceives as a commitment.
Siddaramaiah's Full Term Rebuttal
In response to the 'word' war initiated by Shivakumar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah retaliated within hours, employing similar language. He listed the achievements and tasks he intends to complete during his remaining tenure, clearly indicating that he isn't inclined to step down or make way for an alternative. Siddaramaiah stated in his post, “The mandate given by the people of Karnataka is. Not for a moment, but a responsibility that lasts for the entire 5 years. ” He further added, “A word doesn't become powerful until it makes the world better for the people. For the people of Karnataka, our word isn't a slogan, but it's the world for us, while ” This statement directly challenges Shivakumar's implied claim and underscores Siddaramaiah's intention to complete his full term as Chief Minister.
Highlighting Achievements and Future Commitments
In his counter-attack, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also referenced his first term as CM (2013-2018), claiming that 157 out of 165 promises were fulfilled, representing over 95% completion. For the current term, he highlighted that more than 243 out of 593 promises have already been fulfilled, with the remaining promises being addressed with commitment, trust, and diligence. This was an attempt to showcase his government's efficiency and pro-people policies with. Data, asserting his effectiveness as Chief Minister and his right to complete his term. This strategy aims to solidify his leadership and undermine any calls for a change in leadership.
Congress High Command's Intervention
Amidst the ongoing internal strife in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has decided to intervene. He announced that a meeting of senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, would be convened in Delhi to discuss the Karnataka issue. Kharge emphasized that any decision would be made solely by the party high command and that there was no need for public discussion on the matter. This meeting aims to resolve the issue, discuss future strategies, and eliminate any 'confusion' that may exist. Kharge's statement indicates that the party high command is taking the situation seriously and. Seeks a swift resolution to maintain the stability of the government in the state.
Past Precedents of Internal Strife
Prior to Karnataka, similar leadership struggles have been observed in other Congress-ruled states. In Rajasthan, a fierce conflict erupted in 2020 between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and then-Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot. The party leadership ultimately retained Gehlot as CM, while Pilot remained in the party despite resigning from his Deputy CM and state chief posts. Similarly, in Chhattisgarh (2018-2023), a struggle unfolded between CM Bhupesh Baghel and his senior minister T, while s. Singh Deo. Baghel wasn't removed, but an attempt was made to resolve the issue by appointing T. S. Singh Deo as Deputy CM just before the 2023 elections, while however, in both these states, where internal conflicts over leadership persisted, the Congress party faced defeat in the 2023 assembly elections. This historical context may serve as a cautionary tale for the Congress high command in Karnataka, prompting them to resolve the current issue as quickly and effectively as possible.
