Power Struggle in Karnataka: A Tug of War within Congress

A dispute over a power-sharing agreement between Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Cooperative Minister K N Rajanna has emerged. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has opted not to comment on the rumored arrangement, which proposes a leadership swap midway through their term.

A political skirmish has emerged within Karnataka's Congress party, with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Cooperative Minister K N Rajanna at odds over a purported power-sharing agreement. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remains reserved, opting not to engage in discussions on this contentious issue.

Rumors suggest a secret formula where Siddaramaiah helms the government for the first half of the five-year term, with Shivakumar succeeding him later. A faction of Congress MLAs and ministers is advocating for Siddaramaiah to serve the full term, challenging the alleged arrangement.

Amidst this, Shivakumar, also the Congress state president, aims to muzzle internal dissenters. He insists that discussions on power-sharing are detrimental to the party's unity. Meanwhile, Rajanna criticizes Shivakumar for leveraging the party high command's name in the public discourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)