Karnataka Power Tussle / Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Meet for Breakfast Amid CM Post Dispute

The political landscape of Karnataka is currently dominated by an intense power struggle within the ruling Congress party, specifically concerning the Chief Minister's post. In a significant development aimed at resolving this protracted dispute, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, D. K. Shivakumar, are scheduled to meet for a crucial breakfast discussion today, Saturday. This meeting comes amidst persistent speculation and demands for a change in leadership, particularly after the Congress government in the state recently completed two and a half years in power. The high command of the Congress party has reportedly instructed both leaders to address and resolve these internal. Differences without the direct intervention of central party leadership in Delhi, emphasizing a local resolution to the contentious issue.

The Genesis of the Power Tussle

The current escalation of the leadership debate can be traced back to last week, specifically November 20, when the Congress government in Karnataka marked its 2, while 5-year anniversary since coming to power. It was on this symbolic date that the faction supporting D, while k. Shivakumar reignited the demand for a change in the Chief Minister's position. While the issue of leadership succession has been a simmering undercurrent for. An extended period, it gained considerable momentum and intensity over the past week. The timing is particularly critical as the next session of the state assembly is slated to commence on December 8. The Congress high command is keen to see this internal dispute brought to a definitive conclusion well before. The legislative session begins, ensuring a united front and avoiding any potential disruptions or distractions during crucial parliamentary proceedings.

Siddaramaiah's Unwavering Stance

In the lead-up to today's pivotal breakfast meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated his consistent position regarding the leadership issue. Speaking on Friday evening, he confirmed the directive from the party's high command, stating, "The high command has called him (Shivakumar) and me and suggested that we should hold a meeting. So, I've invited him for a breakfast meeting. When he comes for breakfast, we will discuss the issues. " He further emphasized the steadfastness of his stance, asserting, "There is no change in my stand. I've already said that I will abide by the instructions of the high command, and I will stick to the same stand in this meeting as well, while " Siddaramaiah also noted that D. K. Shivakumar has, on multiple occasions, expressed his willingness to abide by the high command's directives, setting a precedent for a potentially constructive dialogue between the two senior leaders.

D. K. On the other side of the leadership equation, Deputy Chief Minister D. K, while shivakumar also addressed the media on Friday, offering his perspective on the ongoing situation. Despite the fervent enthusiasm among his supporters for him to assume the top post, Shivakumar maintained a measured tone, stating that he's "in no hurry" to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka. During a public event, he remarked, "Even if party workers are excited, I am in no hurry, while the party will take all decisions. " This statement, while seemingly deferential to the party, also subtly acknowledges the strong backing he enjoys from a significant section of the party cadre. His comments suggest a strategic patience, indicating that while his ambition for the Chief Minister's office is. Clear, he's prepared to await the party's ultimate decision, aligning himself with the high command's authority.

The Alleged 2

A central point of contention and the underlying basis for the current demands for a leadership change is the alleged power-sharing agreement. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has consistently claimed that a formula for sharing the Chief Minister's post for 2. 5 years each was agreed upon between himself, Siddaramaiah, and senior Congress leaders in Delhi, while this purported agreement, according to Shivakumar, was reached during the intense negotiations that followed the Congress party's victory in May 2023, when the party returned to power in Karnataka. However, a critical aspect of this claim is the absence of any written documentation to substantiate such an agreement. Also, the Congress leadership in Delhi has never officially confirmed or acknowledged the existence of any such 2. 5-2. 5 year power-sharing arrangement, leaving the claim unsubstantiated by formal party declarations.

High Command's Apparent Reluctance to Remove Siddaramaiah

Despite the persistent demands from the Shivakumar faction, indications from the. Congress leadership suggest a reluctance to remove the incumbent Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah is widely recognized as a formidable leader within Karnataka, commanding significant influence, particularly among the strong OBC Kuruba community, while beyond his own community, he also enjoys substantial support from Dalit and minority communities, forming a broad and crucial electoral base for the Congress party in the state. Given his established political strength and widespread appeal across various demographic segments, the party leadership appears to view his removal as a potentially destabilizing move that could jeopardize the party's electoral prospects and internal cohesion. This strategic consideration underscores the high command's cautious approach to the current leadership dispute.

Shivakumar's Chief Ministerial Aspirations

In contrast to Siddaramaiah's current position, D. K, while shivakumar, who hails from the influential Vokkaliga community, has openly expressed his ambition to become the Chief Minister. His supporters have been vocal in their demands, advocating for him to take over the top leadership role. Shivakumar's political career has been marked by a steady rise through the ranks, and he's seen as a powerful figure within the state's political landscape, particularly within his community. His desire for the Chief Minister's post is a well-known fact, and the. Current timing of the demand for a leadership change aligns with the alleged 2. 5-year power-sharing agreement that his faction believes was put in place. This ambition forms a core element of the ongoing internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress.

Recalling the May 2023 Power Struggle

The current leadership tussle isn't an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a similar struggle that unfolded in May 2023. Following the Congress party's decisive victory in the Karnataka assembly. Elections, a significant power struggle erupted between Siddaramaiah and D. K, while shivakumar over the formation of the government and the allocation of the Chief Minister's portfolio. After days of intense negotiations and deliberations involving the party's central leadership, Siddaramaiah was ultimately appointed as the Chief Minister, while D. K. Shivakumar was designated as the Deputy Chief Minister, while this historical context highlights the deep-seated aspirations of both leaders and the recurring nature of the competition for the state's highest political office, setting a precedent for the current round of discussions and negotiations.

Anticipation of a Swift Resolution

With the assembly session fast approaching on December 8, there is an urgent need for the Congress party to resolve this internal conflict swiftly. The high command's directive for a local resolution underscores the party's desire to project an image of unity and stability. The breakfast meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar is That's why seen as a critical step towards achieving this goal. Political observers and party members alike are keenly awaiting the outcome of this discussion, hoping that it will bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty and allow the government to focus entirely on governance and legislative matters without the distraction of internal power struggles. The resolution of this dispute is crucial for the Congress party to maintain its credibility and effectiveness in Karnataka.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, "High command told DK Shivakumar that we should meet and discuss. But my stand is whatever high command says, I will go by it..." (28.11) pic.twitter.com/biIlDXFAk7

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