Dateline: Bengaluru/New Delhi Topic: Karnataka Politics / Congress CM Selection
The euphoric dust of the Congress party’s resounding victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections has settled, only to reveal a tense and high-stakes chessboard. The grand old party, having secured a decisive mandate, now faces its most critical test: choosing a captain for the ship. The battle for the Chief Minister’s chair has narrowed down to a gladiatorial contest between two stalwarts—former CM Siddaramaiah and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar (DKS).
What appeared to be a unified front during the campaign has devolved into a complex power struggle, involving “breakfast diplomacy,” interventions from the Gandhi family, and intense deliberations in the corridors of power in New Delhi.
The “Idli, Vada, and Unease” Breakfast
As reported by the Hindustan Times and The Times of India, the optics game began early in Bengaluru. In a bid to project stability to the media and the electorate, a high-profile breakfast meeting was arranged between the two heavyweights.
The scene was set with traditional South Indian fare—idlis and vadas—but the flavor of the morning was undeniably political tension. While the leaders emerged with smiles for the shutterbugs, insiders suggest the meeting ended without a “big breakthrough.”
The meeting was significant for several reasons:
- Visual Unity: It was designed to quell rumors of an all-out factional war.
- The Deadlock: despite the camaraderie, neither leader appears willing to blink. Siddaramaiah, banking on his mass appeal and support among the MLAs, sees the CM post as his due. D.K. Shivakumar, who steered the party organization through its toughest times, believes it is his turn to reap the rewards of his labor.
“There are no differences,” the leaders claimed after the meet, a standard political refrain that often masks deep-seated friction. The lack of a joint statement regarding the leadership suggests that the breakfast was merely a pause in hostilities, not a peace treaty.
The Contenders: A Clash of Profiles
To understand the delay in the announcement, one must analyze what each candidate brings to the table, creating a massive dilemma for the Congress High Command.
The Case for Siddaramaiah
Siddaramaiah represents the populist face of the Congress in Karnataka.
- Mass Appeal: He commands the AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) vote bank, which was crucial for the Congress victory.
- Experience: Having completed a full five-year term previously (2013-2018), he is seen as a stable administrator.
- 2024 Strategy: With the general elections looming, the central leadership views him as the safer bet to maximize Lok Sabha seats.
- MLA Support: Reports indicate that a majority of the newly elected MLAs favor Siddaramaiah in the secret ballot.
The Case for D.K. Shivakumar
DK Shivakumar is the organizational muscle and the crisis manager.
- Loyalty and Labor: Often called the “troubleshooter,” DKS rebuilt the party structure in the state. His argument is simple: he delivered the victory when the chips were down.
- Vokkaliga Stronghold: He represents the powerful Vokkaliga community. Denying him the top post could alienate this influential voting bloc.
- The “Throne” Claim: DKS has publicly stated that he has sacrificed enough for the party in the past and expects his loyalty to be rewarded with the top job, not a deputy position.
The “Compromise Formula”: Rotational Power?
According to the update from NDTV, the impasse has forced the party leadership to consider a “Compromise Formula.” This term has been floating around political circles, reminiscent of similar power-sharing agreements in other states (like Chhattisgarh).
The primary formulas being speculated upon include:
- Term Splitting: A “2.5 + 2.5” year arrangement where Siddaramaiah takes the first half of the term, and DKS takes the second. However, trust is a major issue here; DKS is reportedly skeptical that Siddaramaiah would actually step down once installed.
- The Super Deputy: Offering DKS the Deputy Chief Minister post with significant portfolios (Home, Power, Irrigation) and continuing as the PCC Chief. DKS has reportedly rejected this initially, aiming for the CM post or nothing.
The challenge with compromise formulas is their history of failure in Indian politics. They often lead to dual power centers, administrative paralysis, and eventual rebellion.
The Delhi Huddle: High Command Steps In
With the state unit unable to reach a consensus, the venue of action has shifted to New Delhi. As highlighted by India Today, a flurry of meetings is taking place involving Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.
The Timeline: The snippet suggests a decision is “likely in 2 days.” This delay is deliberate. The High Command is:
- Analyzing Observers’ Reports: Three central observers were sent to Karnataka to record the preference of individual MLAs.
- Weighing Legal Risks: DKS has ongoing cases against him by central agencies (ED/CBI). The party is calculating the risk of him being targeted if he becomes CM.
- Consulting Sonia Gandhi: Often the final arbiter in internal disputes, Sonia Gandhi’s relationship with DKS (who remained loyal when others left) is a key factor.
Rahul Gandhi’s involvement signifies the party’s desire to ensure this decision does not impact the momentum gained by the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The leadership is desperate to avoid a repeat of the Rajasthan (Gehlot vs. Pilot) or Madhya Pradesh (Kamal Nath vs. Scindia) scenarios, where internal rifts severely damaged the party.
