Siddaramaiah’s camp ramps up Delhi strategy as Congress factionalism intensifies

Bengaluru: Political tensions within the Karnataka Congress escalated on Thursday, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp moved to consolidate support amid an ongoing leadership tussle with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. At the center of the developments is a planned Delhi lobbying effort.

Reports indicate that at least half a dozen ministers—including Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, Social Welfare Minister Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, and Dinesh Gundu Rao—are likely to fly to Delhi on Friday to meet the Congress High Command and influence discussions on the state leadership.

Siddaramaiah has reportedly approved this strategy. The Chief Minister is understood to have expressed displeasure over a section of MLAs and leaders traveling independently to Delhi to push for leadership changes. In private discussions with close ministers Dr Parameshwara and Dr Mahadevappa, Siddaramaiah reportedly emphasized that he should be accompanied by trusted aides whenever leader ship issues are deliberated.

Ministers also recommended that he press the High Command to publicly disclose the alleged 2023 power-sharing agreement with Shivakumar, noting, “The cat is already out of the bag; let the High Command share the details.” Caste dynamics continue to influence internal strategies, with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar leveraging the AHINDA and Vokkaliga vote blocs.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar maintained a firmstance, saying he would not take anyone along to Delhi adding cryptically when asked about his CM ambitions, “Sorry… sorry… sorry,” leaving speculation alive. The developments fol low closed-door meetings in Bengaluru, where Siddaramaiah’s allies—including Dr Mahadevappa, Dr Parameshwara, and MLA K N Rajanna—gathered to consolidate support.

Earlier, a breakfast meeting hosted by Jarkiholi, attended by B K Hariprasad and Dr Mahadevappa, further highlighted the CM camp’s coordinated efforts.