BENGALURU: The leadership tussle within the Indian National Congress in Karnataka between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has resurfaced, this time over a foreign tour by party legislators, despite instructions from the party high command to refrain from public statements on any change of leadership.
The latest flashpoint emerged when a group of Congress MLAs and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), largely perceived to be aligned with Siddaramaiah, planned a visit to Australia and New Zealand. The development triggered renewed political debate amid ongoing speculation over a potential leadership transition in the state.
The controversy comes even after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge advised state leaders to resolve differences internally and maintain unity.
According to sources, around 27 MLAs and MLCs initially planned to join the tour, though earlier estimates had put the number at 35. The visit was reportedly conceptualised as a study tour linked to the state’s Animal Husbandry Department, to be undertaken in two batches. The first batch was to be sponsored by Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh, and the second by Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh.
However, following criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), several legislators reportedly withdrew. Those who continued maintained that the trip was a personal family visit rather than an officially sponsored tour. The number subsequently dropped to around 20 MLAs, along with six to seven MLCs. Some cited visa issues, while others opted out for personal reasons.
BJP leaders termed the trip “misplaced priorities,” alleging that Siddaramaiah was sending loyalists abroad to consolidate his position. They also pointed out that legislators considered close to Shivakumar were largely absent from the tour list.
Despite the political heat, more than 20 legislators eventually departed from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru in the early hours of February 15. They are scheduled to return around March 1, travelling first to Kuala Lumpur before proceeding to Australia and New Zealand.
Sources within the Congress indicated that the trip was partly intended to signal stability under Siddaramaiah’s leadership and to downplay remarks by Shivakumar and his supporters regarding a leadership change.
During a recent visit to New Delhi, Shivakumar said that “time will answer everything” when asked about the issue. His loyalists have publicly urged the high command to address the leadership question.
Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain, considered close to Shivakumar, called on Siddaramaiah to step down, claiming that 80 to 90 MLAs support Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister. Another MLA aligned with Shivakumar, Ganiga Ravikumar, suggested that the Deputy CM “knows when and how to act,” implying readiness for higher office.
Amid mounting pressure, Siddaramaiah began pre-budget consultations earlier than usual following a special Legislature session. His son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, asserted that the Chief Minister would complete his full term and that the high command had rejected demands for a change.
Congress insiders say that as early budget preparations failed to quell speculation, the foreign trip was viewed by some in the Siddaramaiah camp as a way to project normalcy. Meanwhile, the Shivakumar faction reportedly conveyed to legislators that participation in the tour at this juncture would be noted by the party leadership.
Ultimately, the reduced participation reflected internal caution, with some legislators reportedly concerned about attracting the displeasure of the central leadership.
While the official line maintains that the government remains stable, the episode underscores that the leadership conflict continues to simmer beneath the surface.
