Crisis in Karnataka Congress as Shivakumar's group eyes CM's chair
What's the story
The Congress party in Karnataka is facing an internal crisis with State President DK Shivakumar's faction eyeing the CM's post.
This has led to questions about how long CM Siddaramaiah will last.
The Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar power tussle has been on since they won the 2023 assembly elections.
The central leadership brokered a power-sharing deal, indicating each leader would be CM for two-and-a-half years.
Resignation fallout
Patil's resignation intensifies internal conflict
The internal rift in the Karnataka Congress was further accentuated by the resignation of senior leader BR Patil.
Patil, a close aide of Siddaramaiah and his political advisor, resigned last week. He reportedly felt undervalued in government and party roles.
This development has added a new dimension to the ongoing power tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's factions in the party.
Political dynamics
Patil's strained relations and Shivakumar's limited influence
Patil, a four-time MLA from Aland in Kalaburagi district, reportedly shares a strained relationship with Priyank Kharge.
Kharge is the son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and is politically active in the region.
This strained relationship is believed to have led to Patil's exclusion from Siddaramaiah's government despite his seniority.
Further, Shivakumar reportedly lacks influence in Kalaburagi, complicating the Karnataka Congress's political dynamics.