Rama Krishna Sangem
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to continue in power for his full term, till 2028. That means, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar will have to wait till next assembly elections to realize his dream of becoming the CM of Karnataka.
A major reason for this is CM Siddharamaiah enjoys the support of majority of MLAs in the party. Siddaramaiah is now 76 years and DK 63 years old. In Karnataka assembly pf 224 seats, Congress has 135 MLAs, followed by BJP 66 and JD (S) 19 MLAs. Within Congress, a majority of MLAs – close to 100 back Siddaramaiah. while DK enjoys the backing of only 20-25 MLAs. So, if DK is made CM now, there will be trouble from Siddaramaiah supporters in the run up to the assembly elections.
Siddharamaiah knows this. His continuation in power will help Congress retain power in next elections. This is what he said on July 2, Wednesdaythat he would remain at the helm for the full-term of this government while his deputy D K Shivakumar pivoted towards a ceasefire by saying he had no option but to support the incumbent.
When pointedly asked by reporters if he would complete his full-term as CM, Siddaramaiah said: “Yes. Why do you doubt it?” The Congress, Siddaramaiah said, will stay in power for five years “strong like a rock”. Shivakumar, who is eyeing the chief …
This is how the latest war between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps — erupting amid buzz about a change in leadership later this year — culminated. .
It is said that ending the row was important for Shivakumar to ensure that he does not come across as desperate to become the CM. Much to the chagrin of the Shivakumar camp, Siddaramaiah’s followers kept up their narrative that there would be no change in leadership, effectively suggesting political stability in the government.
However, the messaging from the Shivakumar camp ran the risk of creating bad optics, in that Siddaramaiah would be ‘forced’ to go, resulting in political uncertainty. Opposition BJP is of the view that change of leadership in the middle of the term would lead to political chaos and weaken the Congress government so that they can come to power in next elections.
Even in 2028, DK needs Sidda support
Even in case Congress comes to power in 2028, DK Shivakumar needs the support of Siddaramaiah to become the CM. Because, Sidda who belongs to powerful Kurba community enjoys enormous goodwill not just among his caste, but across sections for his maturity, ability and experience in politics. Though Karnataka is OBC dominated state where almost all the CM candidates from this social group, DK still needs the backing of Sidda’s support and guidance.
