The Karnataka Congress is experiencing an intensifying internal power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar [1, 2].
This rivalry creates uncertainty within the state's governing party as it prepares for upcoming local body elections. The inability to resolve leadership disputes could weaken the party's organizational cohesion during a critical electoral window.
Rival factions within the party are lobbying the national high command in Delhi for a clear decision on state leadership [2]. The friction is driven by the proximity of elections and the personal ambitions of senior leaders [2, 3].
Some party members have expressed specific expectations regarding a change in leadership. One Member of the Legislative Assembly said he hoped Deputy CM DK Shivakumar would receive positive news regarding a possible change in the Chief Minister's position on May 15, 2024 [3].
The internal instability has also drawn attention from political opponents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on May 10, 2024, that the Congress party is facing internal power struggles [4].
As the party considers a possible cabinet reshuffle, the tension between the two camps continues to dominate the political landscape in Karnataka [1, 2]. The high command's eventual decision will determine whether the party enters the local polls with a unified front or a divided leadership structure.
“The Karnataka Congress is experiencing an intensifying internal power struggle”
The friction between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar represents a deeper struggle for control over the party's state machinery. Because the national leadership has historically hesitated to remove sitting chief ministers to avoid instability, the delay in a decision fuels lobbying efforts and public speculation. The outcome will likely dictate the party's strategy and candidate selection for the local body elections.
