The long-running leadership tussle between Karnataka Congress leaders D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah may have formally ended with Shivakumar’s swearing-in as chief minister on June 4, but early signs suggest that the former chief minister continues to wield considerable influence within the government and the party.
Mr Shivakumar, popularly known as DKS, achieved a goal he had pursued for years. However, the composition of his first Cabinet has fuelled speculation that Mr Siddaramaiah remains a dominant force behind the scenes, reported India Today.
Along with Mr Shivakumar, 13 Congress legislators were inducted into the Cabinet. A closer look at the line-up indicates that several ministers are widely regarded as being aligned with Mr Siddaramaiah or have maintained close political ties with him over the years.
Among the most notable appointments is Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra Siddaramaiah, NDTV reported. His induction is being viewed by many observers as a signal that Mr Siddaramaiah’s political legacy remains firmly embedded in Karnataka politics.
Senior leaders considered close to the former chief minister, including Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, K.J. George, M.B. Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byregowda, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharan Prakash Patil, also secured Cabinet berths. Most of them served as ministers during Mr Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure.
Mr Parameshwara’s appointment as the sole deputy chief minister was particularly significant. There had been speculation that the new government could have multiple deputy chief ministers, but the leadership eventually settled on Mr Parameshwara, who is widely seen as a Mr Siddaramaiah loyalist.
The Cabinet also includes leaders viewed as moderates or closer to the Congress high command than either faction. These include Mr Priyank Kharge, Mr K.H. Muniyappa, Mr Ramalinga Reddy, Mr U.T. Khader, and Mr Eshwar Khandre.
Beyond the Cabinet formation, Mr Siddaramaiah’s continued influence is reflected in other developments. He has been inducted into the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s highest decision-making body, and continues to retain the chief minister’s official residence in Bengaluru.
The power transition follows years of political manoeuvring after the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023, reported The Indian Express. Despite repeated speculation over a change in leadership, the party high command led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi has delayed the transition until now.
While Mr Shivakumar now occupies the chief minister’s chair, the Cabinet’s composition and Mr Siddaramaiah’s continuing prominence suggest that the veteran leader remains a key power centre in Karnataka politics.
