Is Congress’ 2029 masterplan hidden behind Siddaramaiah leaving the chair? Is DK Shivakumar finally going to become the new CM of Karnataka? What big formula has Rahul Gandhi adopted to end the power struggle? Is Congress playing a big gamble in South India through Rajya Sabha and OBC politics?
Karnataka Leadership Change: The long-running speculation in Karnataka politics now seems to be reaching a decisive point. After months of political turmoil, secret meetings behind closed doors and archery of statements, the turn that everyone was waiting for has finally come in the politics of Karnataka. Is this just the resignation of a Chief Minister or some big move by Congress for the grand contest of 2028 and 2029? Let us understand the whole story inside.
Delhi Darbar’s ‘Secret Plan’: What was the truth of that closed-door meeting?
Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar had a highly sensitive meeting with the top Congress leadership – Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Randeep Singh Surjewala and KC Venugopal – in New Delhi on Tuesday. If sources are to be believed, the script of the new chapter of Karnataka’s power was written in this meeting itself. Rahul Gandhi himself took command to end the silent power struggle going on between the two leaders since the landslide victory of 2023.
Siddaramaiah’s ‘respectable exit’: What big lure did the high command give?
It was not easy to convince a powerful leader and the current Chief Minister to leave the chair. For this, the Congress high command presented a ‘master stroke’ proposal to Siddaramaiah which he could not refuse:
- Big stature at national level: Siddaramaiah will be projected as a prominent OBC (Other Backward Class) face in national politics ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- Rajya Sabha ticket and veto power: He has been assured of sending him to Rajya Sabha in future. Also, his opinion will get top priority in the upcoming cabinet expansion and political appointments of the Karnataka government.
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‘Last Breakfast’ and the stir in Bengaluru: Will the tables turn on Thursday?
The suspense deepened when sources close to Siddaramaiah revealed that the Chief Minister had called all the ministers for breakfast at his official residence on Thursday morning. Political pundits believe that this could be his last farewell meeting with the ministers, immediately after which he can go to Raj Bhavan and submit his resignation. Meanwhile, the arrival of Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala in Bengaluru is a strong proof that the process of change of power is in its final stages.
DK Shivakumar’s ‘coronation’: The organization’s ‘troubleshooter’ got the fruits of his hard work
The path has now been completely cleared for DK Shivakumar, who brought Karnataka Congress to power in the 2023 elections and is considered the biggest trouble-shooter of the party, to sit at the ‘peak’ of Bengaluru. His journey from Deputy CM to CM has not been easy, but the high command has expressed confidence in his patience and organizational ability.
June’s ‘Rajya Sabha elections’ and Suresh’s entry: What is the new game of caste balance?
Amidst this entire change of power, the elections for four Rajya Sabha seats to be held in Karnataka on June 18 have further increased the suspense. Congress can easily win three seats. There is talk that Mallikarjun Kharge will be re-elected from one seat, while DK Shivakumar’s brother D.K. Suresh can be dropped. Congress is trying to solve the caste equations by bringing a woman or OBC face on the third seat, so that any kind of rebellion within the party can be prevented before the 2028 assembly elections.
Climax of power in Karnataka? Will Congress play a big gamble with Siddaramaiah’s departure?
The long-running tug of power in Karnataka politics now seems to be reaching a turning point. According to Congress sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may step down soon, due to which the path for Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to become the Chief Minister is considered almost clear. But behind this change is said to be hidden not just the change of leadership, but the bigger mathematics of national politics of 2029.