The leadership rift between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appears to have been eased through a carefully crafted power-sharing formula, though the full contours are still being finalised by the Congress high command. After months of behind-the-scenes strain over succession, the two leaders projected unity by meeting over breakfast today, signalling a political reset intended to prevent internal turmoil.

According to senior party sources, the arrangement envisages Shivakumar continuing as deputy chief minister and state Congress president until a smooth transition is executed — widely expected around early 2026. In return, his loyalists are likely to be accommodated with additional cabinet berths, and Siddaramaiah is expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s chief ministerial face in the 2028 election.

For Shivakumar, the deal represents the most pragmatic path forward, given that he lacks the legislative numbers to force a confrontation. For Siddaramaiah, who has publicly stated that this is his final term, the compromise allows him to safeguard his political legacy and ensure continuity within the party.

However, the success of this formula hinges on trust, timing, and caste dynamics. Balancing Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA support base with Shivakumar’s influence among Vokkaligas will determine whether the Congress can maintain cohesion ahead of 2028.

The leadership rift between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appears to have been eased through a carefully crafted power-sharing formula, though the full contours are still being finalised by the Congress high command. After months of behind-the-scenes strain over succession, the two leaders projected unity by meeting over breakfast today, signalling a political reset intended to prevent internal turmoil.

According to senior party sources, the arrangement envisages Shivakumar continuing as deputy chief minister and state Congress president until a smooth transition is executed — widely expected around early 2026. In return, his loyalists are likely to be accommodated with additional cabinet berths, and Siddaramaiah is expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s chief ministerial face in the 2028 election.

For Shivakumar, the deal represents the most pragmatic path forward, given that he lacks the legislative numbers to force a confrontation. For Siddaramaiah, who has publicly stated that this is his final term, the compromise allows him to safeguard his political legacy and ensure continuity within the party.

However, the success of this formula hinges on trust, timing, and caste dynamics. Balancing Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA support base with Shivakumar’s influence among Vokkaligas will determine whether the Congress can maintain cohesion ahead of 2028.