In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, internal strife within the Congress party has surfaced prominently in Karnataka, triggered by a demand for a Dalit Chief Minister.
According to insiders, this demand has emerged as a countermeasure to thwart any efforts by Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President, DK Shivakumar, to lay claim to the CM's position for a 2.5-year tenure.
The supporters of Dy CM Shivakumar are buoyant following the Supreme Court's dismissal of the ED case against him. Amidst this, chants of "DK Shivakumar, future CM" reverberate among the crowds, much to the discomfort of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his faction.
Insiders suggest that Dy CM Shivakumar is likely to assert his claim for the CM's seat. To preempt such a scenario, close aides of CM Siddaramaiah, who also serve as Cabinet ministers, have advocated for a Dalit Chief Minister in the event of a leadership change in the state.
Minister for Cooperation, KN Rajanna, and Minister for Social Welfare, Dr HC Mahadevappa, have thrown their weight behind the idea of a Dalit CM for Karnataka.
Senior Congress leaders acknowledge that Dy CM Shivakumar has gained significant leverage after the dismissal of the ED case.
Previously, CM Siddaramaiah's camp had often warned of the potential incarceration of Dy CM Shivakumar, which they believed would inflict irreparable harm on the party. However, with the ED case out of the picture, this line of defense appears weakened.
It's worth noting that CM Siddaramaiah had withheld a Cabinet position from Shivakumar during his initial tenure in 2013, citing corruption allegations. Nonetheless, Shivakumar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the charges against him were related to money laundering.
With the ED case quashed, CM Siddaramaiah's ability to wield the corruption card is diminished, sources reveal.
A confidant of Dy CM Shivakumar highlighted his unwavering commitment to the party, even during his imprisonment, as a testament to his loyalty, which could pay dividends now.
Former CM, BS Yediyurappa, had openly invited Shivakumar to join the BJP, implying that he would never ascend to the CM's position within the Congress. Shivakumar, however, opted to remain loyal to the Congress despite facing the prospect of imprisonment.
Shivakumar's supporters argue that his prominence as a CM candidate helped the Congress secure support in southern Karnataka, traditionally dominated by the Vokkaliga community.
With the Lok Sabha elections looming, Shivakumar's camp views it as another crucial test. A favorable outcome could bolster his claim to the CM's post, sources suggest.
Political analyst Rudrappa Channabasappa opines that the dismissal of the ED case has significantly bolstered Shivakumar's bid for the CM's position.
Two weeks prior, Congress MP DK Suresh asserted that his brother, Dy CM Shivakumar, was poised to assume the CM's mantle.
However, CM Siddaramaiah, known for his adept political maneuvering, is unlikely to relinquish power easily. His faction maintains that he enjoys the support of a majority of Congress MLAs.
Siddaramaiah recently declared his intention to serve as CM for the full five-year term.
Minister Rajanna has already indicated his unwillingness to be subservient to the party high command, which is interpreted as a subtle warning against meddling with CM Siddaramaiah's position, according to sources.
The party high command, apprehensive of losing control over one of its most influential states, closely monitors these developments.
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