Bengaluru: The question on everyone’s lips these days in Karnataka politics is: who will be the next Chief Minister? Current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s two-and-a-half-year term ends on November 20th. Rumors are swirling that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will be sworn in immediately after this. Local media claims that Shivakumar could be sworn in as Chief Minister at the Vidhana Soudha on November 21st or 26th. However, when Siddaramaiah was asked this question, he erupted in anger. Let’s explore the entire matter in detail.
Congress won Karnataka in 2023. At that time, the party had two prominent figures: Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. They reportedly had an agreement: Siddaramaiah would serve for the first two-and-a-half years, and Shivakumar for the next two-and-a-half years. Now, with Siddaramaiah’s half-term coming to an end on November 20th, this formula is back in the news. But the question is: was this a written agreement or just political talk?
On Friday, at the Vidhan Soudha, journalists asked Siddaramaiah, “Sir, there’s news that Shivakumar will become CM on November 21st or 26th?” Hearing this, Siddaramaiah became enraged. He said sharply, “Who told you this? Did Shivakumar call you and tell you? This is all nonsense.” Then, without saying anything else, he left. This isn’t the first time Siddaramaiah has expressed displeasure over such reports. But this time, his outburst surprised everyone.
On the other hand, DK Shivakumar is silent. He neither taunted Siddaramaiah nor issued any statement. However, those close to him say that DK has clearly told the high command that the seat is his after November 20th. Shivakumar is a prominent leader of the Vokkaliga community. He holds the reins of the party organization. He played a key role in making Siddaramaiah the Chief Minister in 2023. Now he is waiting for his turn. Leaders from the Siddaramaiah camp have come out openly. Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan said that Siddaramaiah will remain the Chief Minister until 2028. Shivakumar should wait. He will not join the BJP; he is of Congress blood. Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa said, “We want a Dalit Chief Minister. The movement will continue. But the high command will decide.” This means that on one hand, there is Shivakumar’s claim, on the other, the demand for Dalit faces, and in the middle, Siddaramaiah’s seat.
All eyes are on Delhi. The Congress high command remains silent. Kharge visited Bengaluru last week, but no decision has been made. Sources indicate that the high command may clarify the situation by November 10th. If Shivakumar becomes CM, what will Siddaramaiah gain? Will the displeasure of Dalit leaders harm the party? And, most importantly, was this two-and-a-half-year formula a reality?
