Karnataka’s political landscape is witnessing a spectacle reminiscent of Bigg Boss Kannada, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar engage in an increasingly tense leadership battle. With neither side backing down, the showdown is now headed to New Delhi, where the Congress high command is expected to play “Bigg Boss” and deliver the final word.
The confrontation has intensified just as the Siddaramaiah government completed half its five-year term. Shivakumar, a dominant Vokkaliga leader, has hinted that his “patience is wearing thin”, while Siddaramaiah, supported largely by OBC, SC, ST and Muslim voters, has asserted he will continue until 2028.
The week witnessed hectic lobbying, with around ten MLAs close to Shivakumar travelling to Delhi to press for his elevation as chief minister. Rumours of a “2.5-year power-sharing formula” have fuelled the crisis, though both leaders deny making formal demands.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has announced a meeting with senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to end the standoff. “The entire high command team will discuss and put an end to the confusion,” Kharge said.
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However, a fresh twist emerged after Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated he had “no qualms” if Shivakumar were made CM—promptly countered by minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, who insisted the post was “not vacant till 2028”.
Despite subtle signals of impatience—like a cryptic X post about “keeping one’s word”—Shivakumar maintains that the leadership question is rooted in a “secret deal between five and six people”. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah is pushing for a Cabinet reshuffle to consolidate his position.
With the Congress grappling with similar crises in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh earlier, all eyes are now on Delhi as the party aims to resolve Karnataka’s escalating power play before December 1.
