A Power Balance That Defined Congress’s Comeback
In Karnataka’s dynamic political landscape, the Congress party’s internal balance of power has long rested on the delicate equation between two of its strongest leaders — Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. When the Congress returned to power in May 2023 with a sweeping mandate, the high command made a strategic choice: Siddaramaiah would take the Chief Minister’s chair while Shivakumar would serve as Deputy CM and head of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.
At the time, the arrangement was seen as a tactical compromise. Siddaramaiah brought to the table a mass base cutting across backward classes, Dalits, and minorities — groups that formed the bedrock of Congress’s ‘AHINDA’ strategy (an acronym in Kannada for Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits). Shivakumar, on the other hand, came with strong organizational skills, deep pockets, a reputation as the party’s troubleshooter, and the loyalty of the Vokkaliga community, an influential bloc in Old Mysuru. Together, they were projected as a united front to counter the BJP and JD(S).
Rumblings of a Leadership Race
Despite this carefully crafted power balance, murmurs about the possibility of a leadership tussle never really disappeared. D.K. Shivakumar’s supporters have often seen him as a natural claimant to the CM’s post. His role during political crises — from sheltering MLAs to managing defections — cemented his reputation as a ‘go-to’ man for the Congress high command.
Over the past few months, as the government crossed the one-year mark, speculation resurfaced that Shivakumar could renew his push for the top post. In Karnataka’s political grapevine, it was whispered that a mid-term change or at least a rotational CM arrangement could be back on the table. Such speculation was fueled by differences in style and subtle rivalry between the two camps.
The Surprising ‘Helplessness’ Remark
Against this backdrop, D.K. Shivakumar’s latest statement surprised many. Speaking to reporters this week, he openly admitted feeling “helpless” about his position in the CM race. “I have never asked for the Chief Minister’s post,” he said, clarifying that he had always left the decision to the Congress high command. He then added, “Even today, I feel helpless,” before backing Siddaramaiah as the leader under whom the government should continue.
This one remark did what many private negotiations and media theories could not — it publicly calmed the waters, at least for now. Shivakumar’s tone and words signaled to party workers that he would not push for an internal battle that could destabilize the government or split the party before the next election cycle.
Endorsing Siddaramaiah: What It Means
By praising Siddaramaiah as an experienced leader, Shivakumar sent a clear signal that he values stability over immediate personal ambition. For Siddaramaiah, this is a significant boost. While his popularity with the masses has never been in doubt, questions about internal rivalries have often dogged his leadership. Shivakumar’s endorsement puts to rest, for now, any fears of an imminent challenge from within.
For the Congress party’s central leadership, this comes as a relief too. Karnataka is the only major state the Congress controls outright after Himachal Pradesh, and it serves as a critical morale anchor for the party at the national level. Any perception of infighting could damage its image, especially with the Lok Sabha elections having just concluded and new state polls due in the next few years.
The Delicate Caste Equation
Karnataka’s politics has always been deeply intertwined with caste calculations. Siddaramaiah’s mass appeal stems largely from his AHINDA consolidation — a strategy that unites minorities, backward classes, and Dalits under a single banner. This bloc played a huge role in the 2023 Congress sweep.
Shivakumar, meanwhile, represents the Vokkaligas — Karnataka’s second-largest influential community, mostly concentrated in the Old Mysuru region. Historically, the Vokkaligas have leaned towards the JD(S), but Shivakumar’s personal clout has helped the Congress make inroads into that vote base.
Any open fight between these two leaders could risk splitting this carefully crafted coalition, handing an advantage to the BJP, which is trying to regain lost ground among Lingayats and make a dent among Vokkaligas.
The Stakes: Congress’s Five Guarantees
The Congress’s 2023 victory rested heavily on its promise of ‘Five Guarantees’ — a package of welfare measures including free bus rides for women, free electricity up to 200 units, monthly aid for women heads of families, unemployment doles for graduates, and free ration schemes. Delivering these promises without glitches is key to retaining voter goodwill.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar know that any internal feud could jeopardize governance and stall welfare delivery. For the Congress, this would be political suicide ahead of the next state polls in 2028 and crucial local body elections in the interim.
Siddaramaiah’s Position Reinforced
For Siddaramaiah, the endorsement comes as a timely shield. He can now focus fully on delivering governance, pacifying dissatisfied sections, and implementing the flagship guarantees without looking over his shoulder for an internal revolt.
The CM’s supporters argue that his leadership is still critical if the Congress hopes to repeat its 2023 performance. With decades of political experience, a deep understanding of caste dynamics, and a connect with rural voters, Siddaramaiah remains the party’s strongest face in Karnataka for now.
A Lesson in Party Management
This episode is also a reminder of how the Congress, despite its challenges at the national level, continues to navigate its internal complexities in states like Karnataka. Managing multiple powerful leaders, diverse communities, and high voter expectations is never easy. Yet, by striking tactical compromises and showcasing discipline, it keeps its southern stronghold intact.
For Congress workers and voters in Karnataka, DKS’s decision to back Siddaramaiah sends a reassuring signal — the focus remains on governance, not personal battles.
D.K. Shivakumar’s candid expression of helplessness and his public support for Siddaramaiah is more than a political headline — it is a carefully calculated step to hold together a coalition of communities, votes, and leaders that made the Congress comeback possible. Whether this calm lasts will depend on performance, unity, and the ambitions of two men who know that Karnataka’s politics is as much about timing as it is about loyalty.
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Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 4:28 pm by Ventrapati Mahitha | Published by: Ventrapati Mahitha on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 4:28 pm | News Categories: News
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