‘Let Him Not Act Like High Command’: DK Shivakumar Camp Hits Back as Power-Tussle Erupts in Karnataka Congress

Mumbai: The internal power struggle within the Karnataka Congress has escalated sharply, with tensions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s supporters and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s camp spilling into open confrontation. Despite both top leaders maintaining that they will wait for the Congress high command’s final decision on the long-discussed power-sharing formula, their respective factions continue to trade barbs.

The latest flashpoint came after Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Dr. Yathindra issued yet another public remark defending his father’s continuation as chief minister. His comments, made during the ongoing winter session in Belagavi, asserted that the Congress leadership had “clearly ruled out any change,” adding that Siddaramaiah would serve the full five-year term.

Shivakumar loyalists reacted sharply. Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain openly rebuked Dr. Yathindra, stating, “Let him not take the position of the party high command. We have senior leaders to decide on the crisis. When the Chief Minister himself says he will follow the high command, no one else needs to speak.”

For months, Siddaramaiah’s camp has been strongly pushing against any mid-term transfer of power to Shivakumar, a formula the party had internally discussed when the government was formed. While Shivakumar’s supporters largely maintained restraint, Siddaramaiah’s loyalists frequently issued indirect—and at times direct—statements condemning the idea of leadership change.

Dr. Yathindra has repeatedly argued that there is “no justification” for altering the leadership, even suggesting that Minister Satish Jarkiholi was fit to succeed his father if needed—remarks that further rattled the DKShi faction.

D.K. Shivakumar, who also heads the KPCC, had earlier warned party members not to make public statements about the leadership issue. A few of his supporters were even issued show-cause notices for responding to Siddaramaiah loyalists, though no action was taken against the latter—something that raised eyebrows within the party.

Amid the ongoing confusion, the Congress high command previously attempted to ease tensions by arranging two public breakfast meetings between the two leaders—an attempt to project unity. But the rift continues to widen, with both camps awaiting a final directive from Delhi.