Bengaluru: A dinner meeting hosted by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 2 has intensified political speculation, coinciding with statements by Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka predicting the imminent collapse of the Congress government in the state.
The meeting, held on January 2 at the residence of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a close ally of Siddaramaiah, included several ministers from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, which form the core pillars of the Congress party’s support base in Karnataka.
Officially described as a casual gathering, the meeting is perceived as a strategic move to counterbalance Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s growing influence. Shivakumar was notably absent, being on a family vacation in Turkey.
“There is no need to assume that the meetings are of political significance,” Siddaramaiah had told reporters soon after the meeting on January 2.
Meanwhile, LoP Ashoka has claimed that internal dissatisfaction among Congress MLAs could lead to the government’s collapse anytime soon. He alleged that several disgruntled Congress MLAs are in touch with the BJP, hinting at significant political shifts in the state.
Ashoka also criticised the Congress government for administrative failures, including delays in dues to milk producers and salaries to ambulance drivers, which he claimed reflect Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s weakened leadership.
The Siddaramaiah camp’s dinner meeting marks the latest in a series of such gatherings, following a similar event in October 2023 at Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara’s residence. The meetings are seen as a consolidation effort by ministers from backward communities to secure their political positions and challenge Shivakumar’s ascendancy within the party.
The Chief Minister, embroiled in allegations related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam since August 2024, has maintained a defiant stance. Returning 14 housing sites allotted to his wife, Siddaramaiah has reaffirmed his intent to complete his tenure amidst speculation of a leadership change.
The Congress party’s recent victories in three Assembly bypolls in November, attributed to support from minorities, SC/ST, and OBC communities, have bolstered Siddaramaiah’s position.
However, reports suggest that the dinner meeting included discussions on potentially replacing Shivakumar as the state Congress chief, with ministers showing interest in the role, provided they retain their current portfolios.
Ashoka’s remarks, combined with internal Congress rivalries, underline the volatile political environment in Karnataka.
Ashoka derided Shivakumar’s prior assertion regarding the use of force to seize power, remarking on X, “Shivakumar, the moment has arrived to put into action the plan you so proudly boasted of, forcing your way to power.”
He alluded to the deputy CM’s claim that his late mentor, the former Karnataka CM SM Krishna, had once counselled him to employ force should power remain unattainable through conventional means.
While Shivakumar has hinted at a power-sharing agreement with Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister denies such claims, asserting his intention to serve a full term. Despite public displays of unity, the rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continues to influence the party’s internal dynamics.
This political drama highlights the challenges faced by the Congress in maintaining stability amidst internal rivalries and external pressures, as the BJP positions itself for potential gains in Karnataka’s shifting political landscape.
