The pontiff of the Adichunchanagiri Math, Jagadguru Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, publicly voiced support for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to assume the Chief Minister’s post, adding fresh momentum to an unfolding power standoff within the ruling party in Karnataka. The endorsement injects a religious and community-leadership dimension into what has largely been a political contest, potentially influencing not only legislators but also voter sentiment among the swamiji’s followers.
The standing government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed the mid-term mark on 20 November, bringing to the fore a claimed power-sharing pact from 2023 under which Siddaramaiah was expected to yield the top post halfway through the five-year term. That agreement has long been the subject of speculation, despite denials from key leaders. Shivakumar has publicly described any such arrangement as a “secret deal” among senior party figures and shunned open confrontation on the matter.
The swamiji’s backing challenges the official narrative being emphasised by state leadership. While Shivakumar has asserted that no formal power-sharing formula has been declared and that he holds Siddaramaiah’s word in high regard, the comment from the pontiff underscores the continuing pressure on the party to honour informal community expectations tied to the alleged arrangement.
Among other backers of Shivakumar is Channagiri MLA Sivaganga Basavaraj, who said the deputy chief minister deserved the chief ministerial post, arguing that having served as the party state president and deputy CM, Shivakumar has earned the opportunity. Such statements come amid an apparent assertiveness from those lobbying on behalf of the deputy chief minister, with at least six MLAs travelling to Delhi earlier this month to press their case before national leadership.
At the same time, party insiders and ministers have signalled concern about multiple competing power centres. Comments by senior minister KN Rajanna warned that proliferating influence centres within the Congress could erode unified governance — remarks seen as subtle warnings against elevating Shivakumar without broader consensus. The party high command appears poised to resolve the dispute, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge signalling intent to convene discussions involving top leaders including senior national figures. Whether the swamiji’s public endorsement and the legislative lobbying alter the final outcome remains unclear.
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