Siddaramaiah is numero uno in Karnataka; power struggle quelled after high command intervention

NEW DELHI: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who partially ignited a political storm in the state, has bowed down to the high command's instructions. After the agreement was reached, it was decided that Siddaramaiah would continue as the Chief Minister.

Shivakumar launched an open fight by accusing Siddaramaiah of breaching the earlier accepted terms of resigning after two and a half years. However, the high command asked Shivakumar not to hurry. It is learnt that Shivakumar has accepted this suggestion to transfer power when the time comes. It is learnt that Siddaramaiah has also assured that he will declare Shivakumar as the Chief Ministerial candidate in the 2028 elections.

The high command intervened strongly after they feared BJP to take advantage of the political uncertainty in Karnataka. The two leaders were instructed to resolve their differences and give a message of unity to the people.

On Saturday morning, D.K. Shivakumar arrived at Siddaramaiah's official residence, 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru. They had breakfast together. Later, they met the media. Siddaramaiah will have dinner at Shivakumar's residence in the coming days. Shivakumar postponed his plan to go to Delhi after this.

Considering the caste equations in Karnataka, the national leadership assessed that excluding Siddaramaiah from the post of Chief Minister would be a setback for the party. Siddaramaiah has the support of dominant caste organisations and sections. Meanwhile, Shivakumar is a leader of the OBC Vokkaliga section, another major vote bank.

D.K. Shivakumar said that a constructive discussion took place. Siddaramaiah responded that unity is of utmost importance. Meanwhile BJP scoffed at the sudden pacifying move and said there was more to what meets the eye within the Karnataka Congress.

High command’s promise:

1 High command's assurance that there will be a smooth transfer of power

2 Cabinet expansion and lucrative positions for Shivakumar's faction

3 Shivakumar will continue as the Karnataka PCC president