congress in karnataka

Political strategist Sunil Kanugolu, credited with the Congress's 2023 Karnataka victory and recent successes in Telangana, has been appointed chief advisor to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. A former McKinsey consultant and associate of Prashant Kishor, Kanugolu has a diverse campaign background, including work with the BJP and DMK, and was instrumental in the "PayCM" campaign.

Congress leaders held late-night discussions in New Delhi to finalize the new Karnataka cabinet, with 10-20 ministers expected in the first phase. The initial list is nearly ready, with final decisions to be presented to party chiefs Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Discussions also covered key organizational appointments.

Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar has assured that there is "nothing to worry" regarding the resignation of minister Ramalinga Reddy. Reddy, a close friend and senior leader, expressed dissatisfaction with his allocated portfolio and sought a different ministerial post. Shivakumar stated he would discuss the matter with Reddy to resolve the issue.

Karnataka's Congress faces unease as CM-elect DK Shivakumar openly embraces his Hindu faith, sparking debate on his political tone. While his predecessor focused on constitutional values, Shivakumar's comfort with RSS and praise for Hindu leaders like Yogi Adityanath contrasts with national party stances.

DK Shivakumar is set to be formally elected as the new leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Bengaluru, succeeding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. AICC leaders will attend the meeting where Shivakumar will be elected, followed by his submission of the CLP resolution to the governor to stake his claim in forming the new cabinet.

DK Shivakumar assumes the Karnataka Chief Minister's office after a long political journey. He must now forge his own identity, succeeding Siddaramaiah, a dominant figure. Shivakumar needs to balance Siddaramaiah's legacy with his own governance style focused on development and delivery. Building a new narrative while retaining social support presents a significant challenge for the new CM.

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met Rahul Gandhi and Kharge before holding discussions with Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence. According to party sources, the talks centred on the composition of the new cabinet, Rajya Sabha nominations and the role Siddaramaiah could play after his resignation. The veteran Congress leader is learnt to have conveyed his views on the new power arrangement in Karnataka.

The BJP criticized the Congress following D.K. Shivakumar's election as Karnataka CLP leader, questioning if it signifies a change in the government's character or merely a change of face. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged the move acknowledges Siddaramaiah's governance failure and that Shivakumar's selection was influenced by financial strength over popularity.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is consulting loyalists in Bengaluru following crucial Delhi talks on a potential leadership change. The Congress high command reportedly proposed a national role for Siddaramaiah, with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar seen as the frontrunner to succeed him. The party aims for a smooth transition to avoid factional disputes.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to block Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project, citing a Supreme Court violation. Stalin emphasized safeguarding state rights and farmers' welfare, following Karnataka's deputy chief minister's announcement of submitting the Detailed Project Report soon. This dispute over Cauvery river water is a long-standing issue.

Congress picked a new CM midstream to try and blunt Karnataka’s anti-incumbency instincts. But that won’t address deep regional inequalities. Plus, don’t bet on ex-CM being politically passive

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah offered a guarded response to leadership change speculation, stating he would speak tomorrow. Reports suggest a national role for him, paving the way for Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. The BJP criticized the Congress over the power struggle, warning of electoral consequences and questioning governance improvements.

Karnataka's leadership tussle between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar persists despite high command meetings. Discussions focused on Rajya Sabha and Council elections, with no official confirmation of leadership change talks. Shivakumar's camp reportedly pushes for a power-sharing formula, which Siddaramaiah has not accepted.

Replacing Siddaramaiah with DK Shivakumar as Karnataka CM could challenge Congress's core Ahinda support base. Siddaramaiah's strong connect with minorities, backward classes, and Dalits is crucial for the party's social arithmetic. Shivakumar, while a strong organizer, lacks Siddaramaiah's deep emotional and social reach, potentially alienating key voter segments ahead of the 2028 elections.

The Kerala Congress leadership change has fueled speculation in Karnataka, with Deputy CM D K Shivakumar's supporters pushing for his elevation to the top post. While the party high command has publicly backed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar's camp sees the Kerala development as a hopeful precedent. The approaching three-year mark of the government's term intensifies the debate over leadership transition.