Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar rift signals deeper structural weakness in Congress

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* 

Congress party’s internal developments have now become national news, with Karnataka emerging as a major challenge for the party high command. While Siddaramaiah has been regarded as an effective chief minister, it is also widely acknowledged that he returned to the position on the organisational groundwork laid by D. K. Shivakumar, who was assured the chief ministership after two and a half years. 

Shivakumar has been a long-standing loyalist who invested significant effort with the expectation of eventually leading the state government. Siddaramaiah had previously served as chief minister, but the Congress lost heavily afterward when Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities aligned against him. The party lacked a strategy to address these social dynamics.

Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra strengthened the Congress across the country, but in Karnataka it was Shivakumar, as state party president, who revived the organisational structure and mobilised workers. After the electoral victory, Siddaramaiah became the preferred choice, fitting into the broader OBC–Dalit–Adivasi empowerment narrative promoted by Rahul Gandhi. However, Congress must avoid appearing antagonistic toward other communities. Social justice must be positioned as a framework for inclusion rather than exclusion.

The recent experience in Bihar illustrates this need for balance. Congress and RJD failed to adequately read the political situation on the ground. While caste census and representation are critical issues, a political party also needs to manage broader alliances. Congress had traditional support among Bhumihars and Brahmins, yet these votes did not consolidate behind it, partly due to the perception that the party emphasised only Dalit and OBC agendas without broad-based representation. 

In North India, the Congress has repeatedly sidelined Rajput leadership, enabling their shift toward the Hindutva camp. Even in the last general election, opposition parties led by Congress were unable to channel Rajput dissatisfaction with the BJP. A similar dilemma now emerges in Karnataka, where the party appears uncertain about supporting Shivakumar, seemingly because of his Vokkaliga identity.

Shivakumar has been committed to the Congress through difficult phases. If the party hesitates to elevate him to chief ministership on the grounds that he does not neatly fit into a specific ideological framework, the consequences may be damaging. A political party cannot operate like an advocacy organisation driven by a single agenda; it must remain grounded in electoral reality and internal consensus.

Leaders should honour commitments made publicly or internally. The role of chief minister is not permanent, and Siddaramaiah has already had a substantial tenure. There is nothing fundamentally problematic in considering Shivakumar for the position after the agreed period, particularly since Siddaramaiah himself had earlier expressed reluctance to continue indefinitely. Demonstrating flexibility would strengthen unity. 

The Congress high command must seek collective leadership and prevent internal conflicts from escalating. Siddaramaiah should avoid repeating the patterns seen in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where leadership tussles weakened the party. Electoral outcomes depend on performance and organisation, not solely on caste identity.

Congress requires strong regional leaders capable of navigating political complexities as it works to rebuild. Siddaramaiah has played a significant role, but it may now be time to facilitate a transition to Shivakumar. True leadership is reflected not in clinging to power, but in sharing and transferring it when necessary.

If the Karnataka situation remains unresolved, it risks strengthening regional players like the Deve Gowda family and aiding the BJP.

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*Human rights defender