Tussle for leadership change in Karnataka intensifies as MLAs loyal to D. K. Shivakumar move to Delhi to put pressure on Congress high command

Tussle for leadership change in Karnataka intensifies as MLAs loyal to D. K. Shivakumar move to Delhi to put pressure on Congress high command

## Karnataka Congress Leadership Speculation Intensifies as MLAs Converge on Delhi

**New Delhi, India** – The ongoing speculation surrounding a potential leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress has escalated as a significant number of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) aligned with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are reportedly traveling to Delhi. The move, widely interpreted as a strategic maneuver, is fueling conjecture about an impending push to influence the party high command regarding the future leadership of the state.

While official statements from the Congress party remain carefully neutral, sources within the party indicate that the MLAs’ presence in the capital is designed to underscore Shivakumar’s strong support base and highlight his potential to assume a more prominent role within the state government. The influx of legislators is expected to continue over the next 48 hours, further amplifying the pressure on the central leadership to address the growing undercurrents within the Karnataka Congress.

The current Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, assumed office in May 2023 following the Congress party’s resounding victory in the state assembly elections. However, the pre-election power-sharing agreement, which reportedly involved a rotational chief ministership, has been a subject of persistent debate. While the exact terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the understanding is believed to have stipulated a division of the five-year term between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

Shivakumar, a prominent figure within the Karnataka Congress and a key architect of the party’s electoral success, has consistently maintained a public posture of unity and loyalty to the current leadership. However, his supporters argue that his organizational capabilities and strategic acumen make him a strong contender for the chief minister’s post.

The gathering of MLAs in Delhi represents a calculated gamble, designed to subtly but firmly convey the strength of Shivakumar’s backing within the legislative ranks. Political analysts suggest that the move aims to preempt any potential moves by rival factions within the party to undermine Shivakumar’s prospects.

The Congress high command, already grappling with a complex political landscape nationwide, faces the delicate task of navigating the internal dynamics within the Karnataka unit. Any decision regarding a leadership change must be carefully calibrated to avoid destabilizing the state government and potentially jeopardizing the party’s hard-won gains.

The situation is further complicated by the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress party is striving to maximize its representation from Karnataka. Internal discord could significantly hamper the party’s electoral prospects, making a unified front paramount.

The coming days are expected to be crucial as the Congress high command deliberates on the situation and assesses the implications of the MLAs’ presence in Delhi. The outcome of these deliberations will not only shape the future leadership of Karnataka but also have significant ramifications for the Congress party’s standing in the state and its overall political strategy. The developments in Delhi will be closely watched by political observers and the public alike, as the future direction of Karnataka’s political landscape hangs in the balance. The pressure is now firmly on the Congress leadership to broker a solution that preserves unity and ensures the continued stability of the state government.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.