In a calculated move amid escalating leadership battles in Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Tuesday that the national high command’s verdict will stand unchallenged. The statement underscores the simmering rivalry with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, as both heavyweights navigate delicate party dynamics.
Siddaramaiah sidestepped Shivakumar’s assertion of mutual clarity from leadership-mediated talks, retorting, ‘No comments on his statements. High command’s decision is binding. Ask him directly about his words. I’m prepared for their directive.’
Rumors of a Delhi trip were quashed: ‘No uninvited visits. Budget duties keep me here; I’ll travel only if summoned.’
Addressing Shivakumar’s no-show at a key budget huddle, the CM revealed a formal letter citing Assam election commitments in the capital.
Reacting cautiously to the Supreme Court’s stern warning against hurdles in electoral roll revisions, Siddaramaiah promised a detailed review: ‘Context matters; I’ll examine before speaking.’
Shivakumar had earlier projected harmony, stating, ‘We’re doing exactly as agreed,’ while cautioning against public leadership discourse—a nod to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s bold claim of his father’s term security, backed by central brass.
This high-stakes standoff highlights Congress’s internal fault lines in a key southern state. With budget preparations underway and electoral eyes on Assam, the high command faces pressure to broker peace, potentially altering power equations before the next polls. Observers watch closely as Delhi’s shadow looms large over Bengaluru.