Karnataka Congress: Siddaramaiah Retains Chief Minister Post, Shivakumar Told to Wait

Bengaluru: The Congress high command has temporarily settled the dispute over the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, confirming that Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister for now. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has been asked to wait before assuming the top post. MLAs who had travelled to Delhi in support of Shivakumar were instructed to return and were urged not to create unnecessary unrest.

While over eighty MLAs back Siddaramaiah, the group that reached Delhi is firmly aligned with Shivakumar. Amid the tensions, Shivakumar publicly congratulated Siddaramaiah, acknowledging that he is expected to complete his term and emphasising that creating factionalism is not in his nature.

The root of the dispute goes back to 2023, when Congress came to power in Karnataka with an understanding on rotating the Chief Minister’s post. MLAs supporting Shivakumar had approached the high command demanding a leadership change, arguing that after Siddaramaiah completed two and a half years as Chief Minister on November 20, Shivakumar should take over for the remaining term.

Although the high command has backed Siddaramaiah for the moment, the power struggle is far from over. Shivakumar will have to wait to assume the Chief Minister’s position, and the move could fuel tensions within the party, as MLAs continue approaching the high command to press for his leadership. While the issue appears settled for now, it may create ripple effects in the days ahead.