DK Shivakumar signals exit from Karnataka Congress chief post amid leadership tensions

Speaking at a party event in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, “I cannot hold this post permanently. It has already been five-and-a-half years and in March it will be six.”

He reassured supporters that stepping aside from the party presidency did not mean stepping back from state politics: “Don’t worry… I will be on the front line.”

Shivakumar revealed that he had initially wanted to relinquish the post after becoming Deputy Chief Minister in 2023, but continued on the insistence of Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

He added that before he moves on, he wants to complete his target of opening 100 Congress offices across Karnataka.

After the event, Shivakumar told reporters he was trying to set an example: “No one can be permanent.” His comments were met with chants from supporters, who projected him as the next Chief Minister.

The timing of his remarks is significant. Ever since the Congress swept to power in 2023, Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have been locked in a quiet power struggle.

A rumoured power-sharing deal, under which Siddaramaiah would step aside after 30 months, has periodically resurfaced, most loudly in June and July this year, prompting the Congress high command to step in.

This week, Shivakumar made another pointed remark when asked about MLAs aspiring for ministerial posts: “Those who work hard will have aspirations. Can we say it is wrong?” And when prodded about a potential leadership change, he joked, “Consult an astrologer…”

Shivakumar, holding two posts — Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC chief — has long been cited by his rivals as a reason he should not be considered for the top job.

Stepping down now could remove a major argument used against him, especially with the supposed power-sharing deadline looming.

Despite the friction, both leaders have repeatedly displayed outward unity. After a tense June-July phase, the two were seen smiling, holding hands and dismissing rumours of instability. Siddaramaiah has maintained that the government will complete its full five-year term.

But Shivakumar’s latest remarks suggest the internal contest is far from over, and the political calendar in Karnataka may get a lot more interesting in the coming months.