D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, is currently at the center of a political storm as he firmly refuses to step down from his position as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president. Despite facing pressure from several quarters within his own party, Shivakumar has conveyed to the Congress high command that he will not relinquish his post unless he is assured of being made the Chief Minister of the state.
Shivakumar’s refusal to step down has intensified the ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with factions loyal to both him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah battling for dominance. Shivakumar’s insistence on retaining his position as KPCC president is seen by many as a strategic move to maintain his leverage within the party, as relinquishing this role could weaken his influence in the race for the top post in Karnataka.
Sources reveal that the Congress high command has signaled its support for Shivakumar at least for now, despite the pressure from Siddaramaiah’s loyalists, who have been calling for a leadership change. The leadership in Delhi has informed Siddaramaiah’s camp that no changes in the state leadership will take place before the upcoming zilla and taluk panchayat elections later this year.
This internal tussle is rooted in the desire for power between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, who are both key figures in Karnataka’s political landscape. The conflict has been further complicated by a faction of ministers close to Siddaramaiah, including Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna, pushing for Shivakumar’s removal under the party’s “one man, one post” principle. However, the campaign to oust Shivakumar has lost steam due to a honeytrap scandal that has rocked the political establishment, leading to a temporary pause in the campaign.
Shivakumar has remained unfazed by the dissent within the party, responding to his critics by asserting that leadership roles are earned through hard work and dedication, not through media statements. He has made it clear that he is not willing to be moved by internal pressure, signaling that his fight for control over the party in Karnataka is far from over.
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a key figure in the party, has expressed his ambition to take over as the KPCC president. Jarkiholi has publicly stated that the change in leadership should take place after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, arguing that a dedicated and focused KPCC president is crucial for strengthening grassroots support ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
The political maneuvering within the Karnataka Congress continues to evolve, and with Shivakumar’s firm stance, it is clear that the battle for control of the party in the state is far from settled.