Tensions rise in Karnataka Congress as power centres spark leadership speculation
BENGALURU: Karnataka’s ruling Congress party is witnessing fresh rumblings of internal realignment, with senior leaders weighing in on speculation of upcoming cabinet and leadership reshuffles. While major upheavals haven’t occurred yet, tensions are unmistakable.
The coming months could place Karnataka Congress at a crossroads — with intra-party realignments that may define its future stability and governance.
“There are three power centres in the Congress — high command, KPCC president and CM… The matter of a change in the Chief Ministership will be decided in due course. I will stand with Siddaramaiah… forever,” Cooperation Minister and party veteran K N Rajanna said.
He also took a dig at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying his administration is not as strong as the first term between 2013 and 2018 term that had a single strong leader. He floated the possibility of Satish Jarkiholi replacing D.K. Shivakumar as KPCC President, and even endorsed himself for the role should the vacancy arise.
He also suggested something akin to a political “revolution” may unfold in both Congress and BJP after September.
Rajanna’s candid comments reflect perceived jockeying between camps allied to Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and possibly Jarkiholi.
“Ignore his statements,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, promptly dismissing Rajanna’s remarks as speculative. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar who also holds the KPCC presidency, distanced himself from the remarks, stating he’d need to speak directly with Rajanna and does not perceive a crisis.
Home Minister G Parameshwara echoed this, assuring that Siddaramaiah continues to “have a strong grip” and denying any multiple power centres in the party.
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a member of Siddaramaiah’s inner circle, has been tipped by Rajanna as a potential successor to Shivakumar as KPCC president. This move appears aimed at strengthening Siddaramaiah’s camp within the party hierarchy. Forest minister Eshwar Khandre is also the strong contender for the KPCC president’s post.
Meanwhile, Delhi leadership has remained silent, allowing state leaders to publicly tread carefully. Many believe that the post-monsoon window could bring strategic adjustments — whether reshuffles or new leadership one cannot say for sure.