Karnataka Political Crisis: Full Coverage of Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar Rift, Power-Sharing Buzz & High Command’s Balancing Act

The Karnataka Congress government has been thrown into a political storm this week as intense speculation swirls around a possible leadership change, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar (DKS) positioned at the center of the debate. A series of meetings in Delhi, cryptic remarks, defections of loyalties, and public statements from ministers have turned this into one of the biggest political flashpoints since the Congress returned to power in 2023.

From Siddaramaiah calling it an "unnecessary debate" to Shivakumar claiming “All 140 MLAs are mine,” the developments have created a dramatic political narrative worthy of national attention.

This blog compiles complete full-coverage from all major national media outlets—Times of India, NDTV, India Today, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Hindustan Times, News18, ThePrint, Indian Express, Business Today, Financial Express, The Week, and more.

🔴 Background: What Triggered the Crisis?

The root of this conflict lies in the unofficial 2.5-year power-sharing pact reportedly agreed between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar before forming the government in 2023.
As the halfway mark approaches, the DKS camp has intensified pressure on the party leadership to honor the “agreement.”

Meanwhile, the Siddaramaiah camp insists:

• The CM will complete the full five-year term

• “There is no need to discuss leadership change now”

• “Power is secure, and the government is stable”

This difference in positions has led to widening cracks within the ruling party.

🔥 Major Developments — A Complete Breakdown

1. DK Shivakumar’s Big Statement: “All 140 MLAs Are Mine”

(Times of India, India Today, Zee News)
DK Shivakumar created a political stir after saying:

“All 140 MLAs are mine.”

This came as supporters claimed he must be given the CM’s post as per the “power-sharing pact.”

2. Siddaramaiah Responds: “Unnecessary Debate. I Will Continue.”

(Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Outlook India)
Siddaramaiah reacted strongly to the ongoing buzz:

• Called the debate “unnecessary”

• Reaffirmed that he would continue as CM and present future budgets

• Asserted the government is “intact and stable”

3. MLAs Loyal to DKS Rush to Delhi

(Times Now, NDTV, The Hindu, Oneindia)
Over a dozen MLAs aligned with DKS flew to Delhi in different batches.
They reportedly met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and pushed their demand for a change in leadership.

This Delhi flight triggered huge political tremors.

4. Six MLAs Meet Kharge, Pitch for DKS as CM

(Deccan Herald)
A group of six MLAs met Mallikarjun Kharge directly and urged him to appoint Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister.

5. DK Shivakumar Hints at Stepping Down as KPCC President

(India TV, CNBC TV18, DNA India)
DKS made cryptic remarks that he no longer wishes to continue as the Karnataka Congress President, saying:

“I can’t be around permanently. I will always remain in the leadership role.”

This added more fire to the speculation.

6. Congress High Command Directs Leaders: ‘Stay Quiet’

(News18)
The high command reportedly instructed Karnataka leaders to stop speaking publicly about leadership change.

The party fears the narrative may spin out of control.

7. DK Shivakumar’s Brother: ‘If Lucky, My Brother Will Be CM’

(suryaa.com)
DK Suresh, MP and brother of DKS, publicly stated:

“CM Siddaramaiah will keep his word. If we are lucky, my brother will become CM.”

This reinforced the claim that an agreement was made.

8. The Print & Indian Express Reports Add Context

• ThePrint: Siddaramaiah insists he will continue and present future budgets.

• Indian Express: Explained the reasons behind the DKS vs Siddaramaiah rivalry and why DKS believes he deserves the CM post.

9. Parameshwara and Ministers Claim ‘No Rift’

(The Hindu, Economic Times)
Senior leaders maintain:

• “There are no divisions within Congress.”

• “The government is intact.”

But ground realities show otherwise.

10. BJP Slams Congress Over ‘Karnataka Game of Thrones’

(NDTV)
Opposition termed this crisis the “Karnataka Game of Thrones,” accusing Congress of internal chaos.

📌 What Each Side is Arguing

Siddaramaiah Camp Position

✔ I will complete five years
✔ No need to discuss leadership change now
✔ High command has full trust in me
✔ Don’t destabilize the government

DK Shivakumar Camp Position

✔ Power-sharing agreement must be honored
✔ DKS united the party and ensured victory
✔ He commands support of 60–70 MLAs
✔ Time for him to take charge

🟦 Why This Crisis Matters for Congress Nationally

• Karnataka is the only big state Congress governs alone.

• Any instability directly affects Congress’s national strength.

• Lok Sabha strategy, finances, and regional alliances depend on Karnataka’s unity.

• A messy transition could create political ammunition for the BJP.

🔮 Possible Scenarios Ahead

Scenario 1: Siddaramaiah Completes Full Term

High command supports continuity to maintain stability.

Scenario 2: Power-Sharing Agreement Activated

DK Shivakumar takes over for the remaining term.

Scenario 3: Cabinet Expansion + Compromise Formula

Midway roles redistributed to satisfy both groups.

Scenario 4: Total Status Quo

Both leaders publicly reconcile, and the debate is shut down.

📌 High Command’s Challenge: A Very Delicate Balancing Act

The Congress leadership faces three major challenges:

1. Preventing the rift from exploding

2. Retaining Karnataka at all costs

3. Ensuring neither Siddaramaiah nor Shivakumar feels marginalized

As The Week reported, this is the toughest balancing act for Kharge & Rahul Gandhi since 2023.

📰 Conclusion: Situation Fluid, High Command Holds the Key

Despite statements from both sides, one thing is clear:
The Karnataka Congress crisis is far from over.

DK Shivakumar’s assertive remarks, Siddaramaiah’s firmness, MLAs rushing to Delhi, and the high command’s silence all suggest that intense behind-the-scenes negotiations are still underway.

For now, Siddaramaiah remains confident, DK Shivakumar remains ambitious, and the Congress high command remains cautious.

The political plot in Karnataka continues to thicken—and the coming days may bring defining changes.