Karnataka Power Struggle Resurfaces: DK Shivakumar Calls MLA Meeting, Siddaramaiah Sends 27 Supporters on Foreign Tour

Bengaluru: Despite public claims of a “ceasefire” between Karnataka Congress heavyweights Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the internal tussle over the Chief Minister’s post appears far from over. The latest political move has once again fueled speculation of an ongoing power struggle within the ruling party.

Ahead of a crucial legislative phase, DK Shivakumar, in his capacity as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, had called a meeting of Congress MLAs. However, in a move widely seen as politically strategic, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly allowed 27 of his loyal MLAs and MLCs to proceed on an overseas tour to Australia and New Zealand, scheduled for Tuesday.

Foreign Trip Seen as a Political Message

While the foreign visit has officially been described as a routine study tour, political observers believe it was a calculated step by Siddaramaiah to undermine the importance of DK Shivakumar’s meeting and send a clear signal of his strength within the party.

The absence of a significant number of legislators from the meeting is being viewed as an indirect challenge to Shivakumar’s authority as state Congress chief.

Rift Continuing Since 2023

The Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar rivalry has been simmering since May 20, 2023, when Siddaramaiah took oath as Chief Minister for the second time. Since then, DK Shivakumar’s name has consistently been projected as a future Chief Minister, keeping political tension alive within the party.

The debate intensified further in November 2025, when Siddaramaiah’s government completed two-and-a-half years. Even before the milestone, DK Shivakumar’s supporters began openly pushing for a leadership change, reigniting the CM succession issue.

High Command Intervention Fails to End Speculation

The Congress high command has made repeated efforts to mediate and maintain unity, but the rivalry continues to resurface. Every visit of DK Shivakumar to Delhi and every statement from either camp has repeatedly turned the Chief Ministership into a hot political topic in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah has repeatedly maintained that he intends to complete a full five-year term and has expressed willingness to follow the party high command’s instructions. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar has avoided making direct confrontational statements but often leaves remarks open to interpretation, keeping speculation alive.

DK Shivakumar Complains to Party Leadership

According to reports, DK Shivakumar raised the issue with the Congress high command after learning about the overseas trip permission granted to Siddaramaiah’s supporters.

Following his complaint, Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Surjewala reportedly instructed legislators to cancel the trip. Legislators aligned with DK Shivakumar agreed to withdraw from the foreign tour, while Siddaramaiah loyalists—around 27 MLAs and MLCs—remained firm on travelling abroad.

Political Analysts Call It Siddaramaiah’s Tactical Move

Analysts believe Siddaramaiah’s decision was a deliberate political tactic aimed at reminding both DK Shivakumar and the Congress leadership about his strong hold over a significant section of legislators.

If a large number of MLAs remain absent from the KPCC President’s meeting, the significance of Shivakumar’s leadership and influence could appear weakened, thereby strengthening Siddaramaiah’s position in the ongoing power-sharing debate.

However, the lawmakers travelling abroad have defended the trip, insisting it is a routine overseas tour and not politically motivated.