Image Credit: X account @siddaramaiah
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Snubs Shivakumar at Mysuru Rally
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s decision to skip Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s name while introducing dignitaries at a major government event in Mysuru has reignited speculation about internal discord within the Congress party.
The incident occurred at the “Sadhana Samavesha,” a rally organized to highlight the Congress government’s achievements. When a lawyer on stage prompted Siddaramaiah to mention Shivakumar, the Chief Minister curtly responded, “He is not here… we only mention those who are present.” The reply, though brief, has raised questions about whether the omission was procedural or political.
Shivakumar Leaves Early, Adds to Speculation
Deputy CM Shivakumar had left the venue before Siddaramaiah’s address, citing prior commitments in Bengaluru. However, his early exit coupled with the CM’s pointed exclusion has triggered renewed chatter about an ongoing power struggle between the two senior leaders.
While Congress leaders have consistently dismissed reports of factionalism, the public nature of the exchange has given fresh life to rumours of a simmering rivalry—particularly as Shivakumar is widely seen as harbouring ambitions for the chief ministerial post.
Context of Leadership Tensions
The Congress party has so far maintained that Siddaramaiah will complete his full five-year term as Chief Minister. However, discussions of a potential leadership change midway through the term have persisted since the party’s election win. Shivakumar’s frequent hints at power-sharing and his assertive public posture have only added to the undercurrent of unease.
The Mysuru episode follows a series of subtle yet visible signs of strain between the two camps. Although both leaders continue to stress unity in public statements, moments like these reinforce the perception of a divided leadership.
What Next for Congress in Karnataka?
With civic body elections approaching, party strategists are reportedly concerned about the optics of internal conflict. The Congress high command is expected to step in if public incidents continue to surface. Political analysts believe that unless addressed soon, such visible tensions could undermine party stability ahead of key electoral battles.
For now, the party has brushed aside the Mysuru incident as a protocol slip—but within political circles, the message is being read with far more weight.
