Karnataka Congress Rift Deepens as MLA Claims Kharge ‘Assured’ Resolution in DK Shivakumar vs Siddaramaiah Leadership Battle
The Congress’ internal tension in Karnataka escalated on Friday after Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, a vocal supporter of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, claimed party...
The Congress’ internal tension in Karnataka escalated on Friday after Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, a vocal supporter of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, claimed party president Mallikarjun Kharge had given an “assurance” that “everything will be fine” regarding the state’s leadership dispute.
Speaking to Reethu Rajpurohit, Hussain said Kharge had sought the opinions of MLAs backing Shivakumar and promised to consult the party’s core leadership before taking a decision.
“DK Shivakumar has struggled and put effort to bring the party to power in Karnataka. He deserves to be Chief Minister,” Hussain said. “He has potential… so we requested the high command, and Siddaramaiah, to give him a chance.”
According to Hussain, Kharge has asked for a week’s time to discuss the matter with the party’s national leadership. “They need some time. We are hopeful we will get justice,” he said.
Neither Kharge nor the Congress has commented officially on the developments.
Subtle Pressure on Siddaramaiah
While praising Shivakumar’s abilities, Hussain also attempted to keep the tone conciliatory, saying they “have hopes from Siddaramaiah,” calling him “honest, sincere and someone who keeps his word.”
The remarks echoed those made earlier this week by Shivakumar’s brother, DK Suresh, who said Siddaramaiah “is not the kind of person who will go back on his word.”
Hussain was among a group of MLAs — including Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy — who flew to Delhi on Thursday to convey their demand directly to the party top brass. At least a dozen more MLAs were expected to arrive on Friday, indicating that the DKS camp is consolidating its strength.
Background: The Mid-Term Flashpoint
The timing is crucial. November 20 marked the half-way point of Siddaramaiah’s five-year term, reigniting long-standing rumours of a power-sharing formula under which he would hand over the Chief Minister’s post to Shivakumar after 2.5 years.
The Congress has never outright denied this alleged agreement.
The faction supporting Siddaramaiah — including Home Minister G Parameshwara and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi — has cited the 2023 letter from the Congress high command appointing him Chief Minister for a full five-year term.
Asked about this, Hussain responded diplomatically:
“We have discipline in the Congress and must obey the high command… but we hope we will get justice.”
Image Caption
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has repeatedly denied any power-sharing agreement. (File)
Siddaramaiah Pushes Back
Siddaramaiah has consistently dismissed speculation about stepping down. Responding to DK Suresh’s comments earlier this week, he said:
“My power hasn’t gone… it has only gotten stronger. It will continue to remain so. The people voted for us, and we will focus on delivering on our promises.”
Still, whispers of a "November Revolution" — an internal change of guard — continue to swirl within state Congress circles.
Past Attempts to End the Feud
This leadership tussle first erupted soon after the Congress won the 2023 Karnataka election. The crisis appeared settled only after senior leader Randeep Surjewala intervened and declared that the party had no plans to replace Siddaramaiah.
But the Shivakumar camp has continued to push for a mid-term change. Hussain himself has been among the most vocal advocates; in July he claimed that 100 MLAs would support Shivakumar for the top job.
More recently, Shivakumar’s suggestion that he may resign as state party president has added fuel to the fire — particularly because Siddaramaiah’s camp has long argued that he cannot be Chief Minister while holding that organisational post.
If DKS does step down, it removes that roadblock entirely.