DK Shivakumar Ups the Ante: Power Struggle Overshadows Congress’ 2nd Anniversary Rally in Karnataka

Bengaluru: As the Congress government in Karnataka marked its second anniversary with a massive show of strength at the “Samarpan Sankalp – 2025” rally in Hospet on Tuesday, internal dissent and leadership ambitions stole the spotlight. The event, meant to project unity and showcase governance achievements, was attended by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and several senior party leaders. However, what was supposed to be a celebration has now spiraled into a full-blown power tussle within the party.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who played a key role in Congress’ comeback in the 2023 Assembly elections, has once again made his ambitions clear—staking claim to the Chief Minister’s post. While the media reports says that Shivakumar has submitted a list of 86 supporting MLAs to Kharge, K.C. Venugopal, and Rahul Gandhi. “This could be my last shot,” he reportedly told party leaders, hinting that he might reconsider his future in the Congress if his aspirations are ignored again.

The move has triggered a sharp response from the Siddaramaiah camp, which is firmly opposed to a leadership change. Instead, they are promoting PWD Minister Sathish Jarkiholi—also from a backward community—as a more acceptable successor, should a change in leadership become necessary. In a dramatic twist, Jarkiholi has issued a warning that he would resign if Shivakumar is elevated to the top post.

While the Congress high command had reportedly agreed to a rotational Chief Ministership formula post-elections, there has been no official word from Delhi on when—or if—that promise will be honoured. This silence has fueled speculation and resentment within Shivakumar’s camp, which believes the power-sharing deal is being shelved.

Adding further intrigue, Shivakumar’s recent meetings with top BJP leaders in Delhi—including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Bhupender Yadav—have sparked speculation of a possible Plan B. Although officially downplayed as “courtesy meetings,” these interactions are being viewed with suspicion, particularly in the backdrop of growing discontent within Karnataka BJP ranks and the party’s search for influential leaders to rebuild its base in the state.