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DK Shivakumar Tells MLAs to Stay Silent Amid Power Rift in Karnataka
In a bid to control growing dissent and internal rifts within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has publicly urged his supporting MLAs to refrain from making any more statements in his favour. The move follows high-level party interventions aimed at quelling the leadership tussle between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Addressing the media, Shivakumar said, “I don’t want any MLAs to bat for me anymore,” signaling a pause in the public campaign for a change in leadership and a call for unity ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Fissures Within the Party Surface
Shivakumar, who commands significant support within the party, especially among the Vokkaliga community and key legislators, had become the center of a visible power tussle over the reported rotational Chief Ministership agreement made in 2023. Tensions reached a peak when a group of MLAs began openly voicing support for Shivakumar to replace Siddaramaiah mid-term. However, following a meeting with senior Congress leaders, including central party coordinator Randeep Surjewala, Shivakumar appeared to dial down the confrontation and asked MLAs to respect the high command’s authority.
Public Show of Unity, Private Uncertainty
Despite public reassurances, the crisis is far from over. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah were seen together, projecting solidarity, with the Chief Minister stating that the government would remain “as solid as a rock” and their personal relationship was intact. “We are on good terms,” Siddaramaiah said, dismissing media speculation of a breakdown in governance. Yet, many observers point out that the undercurrents of factionalism still run deep.
Over 100 MLAs Backed Shivakumar
MLA Iqbal Hussain recently claimed that over 100 out of the 138 Congress MLAs were in favour of Shivakumar assuming the Chief Minister’s post, warning that ignoring the sentiment could hurt the party’s chances in the next election. However, senior party leaders maintain that no leadership change is on the table and that stability remains the top priority for now.
Road Ahead for Karnataka Congress
The leadership question, though temporarily set aside, could resurface closer to 2026 when the purported rotation agreement is expected to be revisited. For now, the Congress high command is focused on keeping both factions in check while preventing public spats from damaging the party’s image. With local body elections and national political challenges ahead, Karnataka’s internal power dynamics will remain under close watch.
