The Congress party high command is seeking a resolution to a leadership deadlock between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar [1].

This power struggle threatens party unity in the state, prompting senior officials to explore a compromise to avoid a prolonged crisis [1]. The tension follows recent leadership instability within the party's Kerala wing, which has increased pressure on the central leadership to stabilize Karnataka [2].

Speculation has grown that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge could serve as a "circuit-breaker" or consensus candidate to break the impasse [1]. Shivakumar recently met with Kharge amid the ongoing tussle to discuss the leadership trajectory [3].

External pressure on the party has intensified as various interest groups weigh in. Swamijis representing 32 backward communities met with Shivakumar four days ago to express their full support for his appointment as chief minister [4].

However, the transition is not uncontested. Reports indicate the power struggle has escalated as Siddaramaiah's camp has moved to block a potential takeover by Shivakumar [5]. This internal friction has coincided with renewed party rumblings following by-elections in the Bagalkote and Davanagere (South) assembly constituencies [5].

While some reports suggest the party is moving rapidly to end the dispute [2], other accounts describe an exploding power war between the two camps [5]. The high command in Delhi continues to deliberate on whether a "dark horse" candidate, or a structured agreement between the two leaders, is the only viable path forward [1].

“The Congress party high command is seeking a resolution to a leadership deadlock.”

The deadlock reflects a deeper struggle for control over the party's social coalition in Karnataka. By balancing the support of backward communities and the established authority of the incumbent chief minister, the Congress high command is attempting to prevent a factional split that could weaken the government's stability and influence future electoral outcomes in the state.