There is intense political activity within the Karnataka Congress as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is in Delhi to meet with Gandhi family leaders, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah holds a closed-door meeting with his supporters in Bengaluru. The controversy surrounding the Davanagere bypolls has provided Shivakumar with an opportunity to take action against Siddaramaiah camp leaders, according to Congress sources. The Siddaramaiah camp is expected to devise a counterstrategy in response.
Despite previous displays of unity through joint appearances, recent developments indicate a potential resurgence of leadership debates following the bye-election results. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with his close ministers, while Shivakumar and his brother D.K. Suresh traveled to Delhi. Although both leaders have shown unity publicly, their supporting legislators have issued conflicting statements.
Siddaramaiah’s son, Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, affirmed that his father would serve a full five-year term as Chief Minister. Conversely, legislators aligned with Shivakumar have suggested that he may assume the Chief Minister’s role within the current tenure. With the conclusion of elections in five states, Shivakumar’s visit to Delhi has sparked political interest.
In a separate development, CM Siddaramaiah convened a private meeting with trusted ministers in Bengaluru to discuss Cabinet reshuffling and internal party matters. The meeting, attended by ministers such as Bhairati Suresh, G. Parameshwara, and others, focused on concerns regarding the targeting of the Chief Minister’s close aides and his perceived inaction. Participants expressed fears that unilateral decisions within the party could affect senior leaders’ positions and community relations ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, Shivakumar expressed unawareness of the meeting held by the Chief Minister’s close aides, emphasizing his lack of distinction between who is considered “close.” He hinted at a potential Cabinet reshuffle as the government nears three years in office, suggesting the possibility of “unexpected developments” before May 20. Siddaramaiah, following the budget, reiterated his willingness to abide by the party high command’s decision on his continuation as Chief Minister and expressed readiness to present two more budgets if required.
