Leaders of the Indian National Congress convened at 10 Janpath on Saturday to address mounting tensions in Karnataka but emerged without a definitive resolution. The gathering at the residence of Sonia Gandhi — attended by Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and K. C. Venugopal — did not settle the ongoing dispute over leadership between Siddaramaiah and D. K. Shivakumar, as both sides stuck to their positions.
Venugopal, speaking after the meeting, said the discussion “touched upon Karnataka” but added that no decision could be taken, and another meeting would be convened soon to finalise the course. He emphasised that both the national INC and the state Congress remain united, despite underlying tensions.
The row stems from a deal reportedly struck after the party’s 2023 Assembly election win, under which power was to be rotated midway through the five-year term — with the possibility of Shivakumar replacing Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister after two-and-a-half years. The disagreement stems from divergent interpretations of that deal, as well as competing ambitions and evolving equations within the state unit.
In the weeks leading up to the Janpath meeting, members aligned to each camp had engaged in behind-the-scenes activity aimed at influencing the high command. Several legislators reportedly travelled to the national capital to press their views. The pressure prompted the leadership at 10 Janpath to step in and attempt to broker a settlement.
Ahead of these deliberations, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had attempted to show a united front. They participated in a series of formally arranged breakfast meetings at each other’s residences, under instructions from the high command to de-escalate public discord and convey stability. During those meetings, both leaders reiterated their commitment to abide by whatever decision the central leadership reached.
Party insiders suggest that these efforts were designed to ensure a smooth face-saving arrangement ahead of the upcoming winter session of the state legislature in Belagavi. With the legislative session scheduled to begin on December 8, the Congress high command appears keen to avoid any visible signs of chaos or factional infighting.
Despite this, several state-level Congress leaders continue to insist that the 2023 agreement be honoured — arguing that Shivakumar, who heads the state party unit in addition to being Deputy Chief Minister, deserves the top job. On the other hand, the Siddaramaiah camp argues that no formal decision on rotation was enshrined and that the Chief Minister must complete the full term for the sake of stability.
Opposition parties have seized upon the indecision, describing the internal conflict within the ruling party as evidence of poor governance and lack of clarity. With the Bangalore-based government under increasing criticism for alleged administrative lapses and investor flight, the unresolved leadership question adds to the uncertainty.
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