Congress infighting deepens in Karnataka

BENGALURU: Factionalism within the ruling Congress in Karnataka over the core issue of leadership change has deepened further, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prioritising the State Budget over a cabinet rejig that was widely expected soon after the recently concluded joint session of the legislature.

Several Congress legislators—most of them from the camp supporting Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s elevation as Chief Minister—had anticipated a cabinet reshuffle immediately after the joint Assembly session. However, Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, has begun conducting department-wise meetings in preparation for the State Budget to be presented in March. This has clearly indicated that any cabinet rejig is likely to be deferred by at least two to three months. The upcoming budget will be Siddaramaiah’s 17th, a record achievement that further underscores his grip over the government’s functioning and priorities.

Basavaraj Rayareddi, Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister, said the administration’s immediate focus is on budget preparation, with the objective of presenting a growth-oriented and pro-people budget. “The CM will take a call on other issues at appropriate times,” Rayareddi said, signalling that internal political demands will not dictate the government’s immediate agenda. Meanwhile, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLC and son of the Chief Minister, reiterated that the Congress high command had already “settled” the issue of leadership change by indicating that Siddaramaiah would continue at the helm for the full five-year term.

Yathindra made the remarks while speaking about the legal tussle in the MUDA scam case. He said the battle was not yet over, even though “truth has won” after the Special Court for Public Representatives accepted the Lokayukta’s closure report, granting a clean chit to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife, B.M. Parvathi.

When asked directly whether the Congress high command had decided to retain Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister for the full term, Yathindra responded, “No one is demanding for a change.” This statement did not go down well with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who responded with visible sarcasm. “I will respectfully accept whatever Yathindra says. Since he has spoken like the high command, let us accept him as such,” Shivakumar remarked, underscoring simmering tensions within the party’s top leadership.

When questioned about Channagiri MLA Basavaraju V. Shivaganga’s demand that either the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister reveal details of any seat-sharing or leadership agreement, Shivakumar distanced himself from the issue. “Any response will have to come from New Delhi,” he said, clearly signalling that the matter rests with the party’s central leadership.

With the budget now taking precedence and leadership statements triggering sharp reactions, the Congress’s internal faultlines in Karnataka appear far from resolved, setting the stage for continued political unease within the ruling party in the months ahead.