The leadership question within Karnataka’s Congress government continues to be a central talking point, with significant attention on the roles of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. In a move to address the ongoing speculation, the two leaders recently met for a breakfast discussion. This interaction occurred just before a crucial strategy group meeting scheduled for November 30, which will involve top Congress figures including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi. The meeting is expected to tackle the internal leadership discourse in the state. The optics of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar meeting are particularly noteworthy, given the resurfaced discussions about a potential rotational Chief Minister pact that was reportedly in place following the 2023 Assembly victory. As the term progresses, the possibility of Shivakumar taking over the Chief Minister’s mantle has become a recurring theme. Shivakumar has, however, advised against hasty conclusions, emphasizing his lack of urgency regarding a leadership change and denying any talks with the high command about replacing Siddaramaiah. The upcoming Delhi meeting is anticipated to shed more light on the resolution of this power dynamic.
