Karnataka: D.K. Shivakumar admits there's a power-sharing pact, but CM Siddaramaiah denies

Is there a power-sharing pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar in Karnataka? 

Amid speculations over a change of guard in the state unit of the Congress party and an intensified probe by the Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate into the MUDA site allotment scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC chief, has hinted that there is a “secret pact” that would elevate him to the CM’s post at an appropriate time. 

In May 2023, when the Congress party captured power in the state with 135 seats, Siddaramaiah emerged as the winner in the race for the CM, pushing behind at least half a dozen CM aspirants. But the party’s thumping victory was attributed to Siddaramaiah’s mass appeal especially among the ‘Ahinda’ voters and equally to the able leadership of Shivakumar as the party chief. 

After long deliberations, the party high command had anointed Siddaramaiah as the CM and Shivakumar had to be content with the deputy’s post. However, there were rumours of a secret pact – a 50:50 power-sharing formula mooted by the party leadership to placate Shivakumar.

Interestingly, Shivakumar had restrained from making any such claim, even though Siddaramaiah and his followers had been declaring a full term for Siddaramaiah. But two days back, Shivakumar revealed that there was a “power-sharing pact” in place. 

During an interview with a national TV channel, when asked if he would be a deputy CM “forever” despite his huge contribution to the party, Shivakumar shot back saying, “Not forever. We have had some understanding…and I don’t want to discuss it in the media. I am waiting for that day.”

His statement has created a political furore among his partymen and given the opposition parties a new whip to flog the ruling party. 

Siddaramaiah categorically denied there was a pact. “There is no pact. We all will abide by the party high command’s diktat,” said Siddaramaiah while speaking to reporters. 

Former MLA and son of Siddaramaiah, Dr Yathindra said, “There is no discussion on replacing the CM. Our government has given good programmes under his leadership and there is no question of replacing him.” 

Home minister G. Parameshwara, who is one of the CM aspirants said, “If there is any such pact, why should we be here? Let those two do politics and let them do everything. I have not heard about any pact even from people in Delhi. Such things are not possible. We will follow the high command’s orders.”

When asked about the CM’s response, Shivakumar said, “Whatever the chief minister says it is final. No more discussion. I am loyal to the party and its decision.”

On Thursday, Shivakumar, while addressing the Hassan rally in the presence of the CM and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala noticed the crowd cheering for Siddaramaiah and said, “Don’t worry. I have assured you in Mysuru that this ‘bande’ (Shivakumar) will stand with Siddaramaiah. I will stand with him today, tomorrow and till the day I die. This is the reputation of this ‘Kanakapura Bande’ (Kanakapura’s rock – a nickname given to D.K. Shivakumar by the media). I will work sincerely as it is my duty.”

According to insiders, Shivakumar chose to send a strong message and a reminder to the party high command through the interview that, in case of a change of guard in the state, he should be the only choice. The Vokkaliga strongman is sure to walk the tight rope as the rival faction, in the past, has made several attempts to discredit him within the party by making a demand for multiple DCMs and a ‘Dalit CM’ as Siddaramaiah’s successor.