Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge landed in Bengaluru few days ago in an  attempt to douse the leadership fire that has been raging in Karnataka for the past six months. The focal point of the crisis remains the alleged 2023 power-sharing agreement under which Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was reportedly promised the chief minister’s post after two-and-a-half years – a deadline that technically passed in November 2025.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already declared that he intends to complete his full five-year term, a statement he reiterated on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said the cabinet reshuffle would happen soon but gave no indication of relinquishing the top post. “The high command will decide,” he maintained, while insisting there was no leadership confusion. Despite publicly wishing Siddaramaiah “all the best” for completing five years and pledging to work under him, sources close to the deputy chief minister say Shivakumar has launched an aggressive behind-the-scenes campaign. 

According to highly placed party sources, Shivakumar and his close aides have been individually contacting Congress MLAs – including some currently in jail – to secure written or verbal support for his elevation as chief minister. The effort reportedly intensified after Shivakumar failed to secure meetings with Rahul Gandhi during recent visits to Delhi.Political circles in Bengaluru estimate that Siddaramaiah currently enjoys the backing of a clear majority of the Congress’s 135 MLAs, while Shivakumar’s camp is believed to have the firm support of 25–35 legislators. 

However, analysts warn that loyalties can shift rapidly once the party high command signals its preference. Speaking publicly, Shivakumar adopted a conciliatory tone on Sunday afternoon, saying, “The Chief Minister has decided he will complete five years. I wish him all the best. All 140 MLAs are my MLAs. We will all work together under him.” However, behind-the-scenes maneuvering by his camp has continued unabated.

Senior Congress leader and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala attempted to impose discipline on Sunday, issuing a strongly worded tweet accusing the BJP and “sections of the media” of running a malicious campaign to undermine the state government’s achievements, particularly the five guarantee schemes. Surjewala effectively placed a gag order on party leaders, warning that “needless statements” by Congress functionaries were adding to speculation and that no public comments on leadership issues would be tolerated.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party seized the moment to attack the Congress, accusing it of administrative paralysis and factional warfare. BJP spokespersons highlighted the state’s crumbling infrastructure, pointing to astronaut-designate Shubhanshu Shukla’s widely shared quip at the Bengaluru Tech Summit that reaching the venue took three times longer than his scheduled speech – a remark he used to underline the city’s notorious traffic and pothole crisis. “

Congress leaders are busy fighting for the chief minister’s chair while roads remain broken, governance is missing, and even officers are divided into camps,” a senior BJP leader said.Congress leaders however  continued to insist there is “no confusion” and accused the media of exaggerating internal deliberations. Defending the party, one leader claimed similar situations exist in BJP-ruled states like Maharashtra but receive less coverage.

Political observers noted the conspicuous silence from the Congress high command – particularly Rahul Gandhi – despite repeated attempts by both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to secure meetings in Delhi. Critics within and outside the party questioned whether the prolonged confusion reflected a deliberate leadership style that allows internal rivalries to fester.

With Karnataka being one of only three states fully controlled by the Congress and a crucial revenue source, the party can ill-afford prolonged instability. As Kharge begins marathon consultations tonight, the big question remains: will the high command honor the alleged 2023 power-sharing pact, or will it back Siddaramaiah’s continuation – and at what political cost?