Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
By Tehelka Bureau
The ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress has now shifted to the national capital. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are set to meet the Congress high command today amid growing speculation of a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle.
Siddaramaiah confirmed that he has been invited to Delhi for a key meeting scheduled at 11 AM. The Congress leadership, including President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader KC Venugopal, is expected to hold discussions with both leaders. A separate meeting with Rahul Gandhi is also likely.
According to sources, the meeting will cover several important issues including cabinet expansion, upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, MLC elections, and the broader political strategy in Karnataka. The simmering tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which has persisted since the Congress came to power in 2023, is also expected to be addressed.
While Congress leaders are trying to downplay the meeting as a “routine organisational discussion”, speculation about a possible power-sharing formula or leadership transition is rife. Shivakumar has said he will go to Delhi if called by the high command.
Congress leaders like Randeep Singh Surjewala and Ramesh Babu have dismissed rumours of any immediate leadership change, stating that the discussions are mainly focused on Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
However, the BJP has jumped at the opportunity to attack the Congress, accusing the party of internal instability and infighting.
This high-level meeting in Delhi is being closely watched as it could have a major impact on the future leadership structure in Karnataka ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
