It has been over two years since Siddaramaiah assumed the chief minister post in Karnataka and DK Shivakumar became his deputy. However, a leadership struggle now stares at the Congress-led Karnataka government, with two people apparently eyeing the same spot.
As speculation over a possible leadership change intensifies, a strategy group meeting is scheduled for November 30, which senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will also reportedly attend.
Besides, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, who are once again considered possible contenders for the top job, will meet for breakfast soon. The invite was extended by the chief minister to his deputy, after the Congress high command urged both leaders to hold discussions on the ongoing crisis.
Here are 5 key points on the leadership crisis:
Rotational CM deal: In 2023, as Congress returned to power in Karnataka with a decisive majority, a key question emerged: Who would become the chief minister? Speculation centered on Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, with Siddaramaiah ultimately securing the top post. Shivakumar was appointed his deputy, reportedly under a “power-sharing” or “rotational chief minister” arrangement, under which he would assume office after two and a half years. Now, with Congress having completed half its tenure, speculation has resurfaced about whether Shivakumar will take over.