Rahul Gandhi Puts Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Power Tussle On 'Waiting List', But For How Long?

Last Updated:July 11, 2025, 18:29 IST

This ongoing issue could take a toll on the party, as seen in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan

The Congress has always faced challenges when two strong, charismatic leaders vie for the same post. (File image: PTI)

Sprawled on a wide sofa on the fourth floor in Karnataka Bhawan, chief minister Siddaramaiah oozed confidence. Surrounded by his supporters, he told everyone, including News18, “There is no vacancy, and I am CM for 5 years."

A little distance away, deputy CM DK Shivakumar waited patiently for his chance and also an appointment with Rahul Gandhi. Both the CM and deputy CM hoped to meet the top leadership to address some power dynamics.

However, on the day of their waiting, Rahul Gandhi met a group of leaders from Gujarat. His message to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar was, Karnataka can wait. Consequently, both left for Bengaluru without meeting Rahul Gandhi.

Sources indicate that the two were not scheduled to meet Rahul Gandhi. Instead, it was the state in charge, Randeep Surjewala, who met them for several hours. Sources also suggest that Rahul Gandhi and the top leadership conveyed that priority should be given to fulfilling poll promises. According to Rahul, past struggles and leadership issues are not important. Moreover, sources say he is not keen on getting involved between the two and prefers to leave it to the state in-charge to sort out the issues. Next week is expected to see another round of meetings between the CM, deputy CM, and Surjewala.

The Congress has always faced challenges when two strong, charismatic leaders vie for the same post. In states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi insisted there should be no change of guard, trying to get both sides to sit down and strike a deal. However, things were never the same again. The persistent struggle seems to be repeating in Karnataka. Barely hours after the meeting with the CM and deputy CM, voices from within the Karnataka Congress suggested that the priority might not be the fulfillment of all promises but ensuring a change at the top.

DK Shivakumar was cryptic, stating there was no need to speak on every topic. While he has never openly spoken about the power struggle, unlike Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar’s supporters believe the uncertainty has gone on too long. DK enjoys the confidence of the Kanthi siblings and is seen as a troubleshooter whose services should be acknowledged by the party.

For the Congress, the problem is that the top leadership seems to bow to pressure from incumbent chief ministers like Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel previously and Siddaramaiah now. As a result, the party finds it difficult to take courageous steps. This ongoing issue could take a toll on the party, as seen in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

News politics Rahul Gandhi Puts Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Power Tussle On 'Waiting List', But For How Long?