Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clearly refused the alleged 2.5 year power sharing agreement with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. He said in the Assembly on Friday that no such decision had been taken. This is the second time in four days that Siddaramaiah has expressed his intention to complete his entire term.
an air of informal agreement between the two
After the victory of Congress in 2023, there was a dispute between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar regarding the post of CM. At that time, there were reports that there was an informal agreement between the two that the five-year tenure would be divided into 2.5-2.5 years. Siddaramaiah was first made the CM, but now after the completion of the period of 2.5 years, the Shivakumar faction is demanding a change.
Siddaramaiah said in the Assembly on Friday, ‘I have already completed my 5-year tenure and now I have become the CM again. According to me, the high command is in my favor. No decision on distribution was taken in 2.5 years.
Said to remain Chief Minister even 3 days ago
Even on December 16, he had said in the Assembly, ‘I still say – I am the Chief Minister and will remain the Chief Minister.’ For the third time this month he has left the decision to the Congress high command.
On December 2, after two ‘Power Breakfast’ meetings to show party unity, he had said that he would step down only on the instructions of the Gandhi family.
Shivkumar’s dream of becoming CM hinges on compromise
DK Shivakumar’s claim rests on this alleged 2023 agreement. Recently, after some meetings, sources said that talks of change are going on. The Shivkumar faction wants change from April 2026, while the Siddaramaiah faction is talking about supporting Shivkumar in the 2028 elections after completing his full term. With this, there is a plan to unite Vokkaliga and Ahinda vote banks.
Shivkumar was not invited to the dinner meeting
A dinner meeting was held at the house of senior minister Satish Jarkiholi on Thursday night, in which Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G Parameshwara and people close to Shivakumar were present, but Shivakumar was not invited. Shivkumar called it normal and said, ‘What’s wrong in having dinner? It is a matter of pleasure if they have dinner.
Congress high command has the key to resolve the dispute
MLAs of Shivkumar group have gone to Delhi and demanded intervention in the matter. The party has supported Siddaramaiah, but has also given some hope to Shivakumar. Both the leaders have been asked to show unity. This controversy continues in Karnataka Congress, but the party is trying to run the government and focus on public work.
