Now, as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah is embroiled in the longest-running leadership struggle in the nation, fresh news emerged as a marathon meeting of his party had concluded in New Delhi.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's future became political when it emerged that the senior leader of Congress, Rahul Gandhi, had extended a Rajya Sabha position through which he had been invited to become involved in the national political arena.
Political insiders claimed that a nearly 6-hour meeting in Delhi had occurred to discuss the sharply growing leadership tension within the Karnataka Congress. It is said to have been a discussion about the power-sharing deal and the future leadership in the state.
Rahul Gandhi is reported to have recommended that Siddaramaiah go into national politics and accept a post with the Rajya Sabha, thus paving the way for leadership change in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah, in his view, did not want to immediately accept the proposal, sources said.
After the high-level meeting, the senior high-ranking general held an informal meeting of his close aides, ministers, and faithful legislators, with close associates and friends in chief, according to the report from the Indian Legislative Assembly to the former prime minister of the Gharabhav Jhabhiketan, at the address of senior Congress leader George, in Delhi, India.
The meeting has ignited wild speculation in political circles, who claim that Siddaramaiah expressed willingness to resign from the office of Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah’s supporters have been gripped by huge anxiety in Karnataka due to this development. Multiple ministers and MLAs connected to the Chief Minister are purported to have advised him heavily against quitting.
Siddaramaiah was apparently told by those men, as an adviser, that they would personally speak to Rahul Gandhi and the uppermost level of India to ensure his continued prominence in the country and an end to any unexpected leadership change in the administration.
Against pressure from his supporters, Siddaramaiah reportedly told himself he wouldn’t outright reject Rahul Gandhi’s call. The veteran leader assured his supporters that he could not directly challenge the Congress leaders and would resign in the event they were in power," according to sources.
Simultaneously, he is said to have permitted his loyalists to proceed with negotiations with the party brass in an effort to broker a political deal. The latest details have yet again highlighted Siddaramaiah's power-sharing deal with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, a long-entangled issue of dispute.
Rumours were raised over the possible rotation of the Chief Minister between the two key leaders since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023. While the party has not formally articulated such an agreement, the constant speculation around the rotational change of leader has, in fact, led to political instability within the state unit.
Political watchers say the Congress leadership is in a tight spot. On the one hand, Siddaramaiah is among the stronger mass leaders of Karnataka’s party, retaining most support among backward classes and rural voters. In sharp opposition, DK Shivakumar continues to show great organisational power inside the party and has long been viewed as the favourite candidate for chief minister.
Neither Siddaramaiah nor the Congress high command has made an official statement under duress. And the unfolding affairs in Delhi, as they unfold, have heightened political discussions throughout Karnataka, with party workers and opposition leaders both paying much attention to the situation.
As important political calculations are at play in the weeks ahead of future elections, the Congress leadership faces the most complicated of decisions in the days ahead. Until then, the power struggles in Karnataka have become perhaps one of the more closely gripped political dramas in the country.
