The leadership tussle in Karnataka between veteran Siddaramaiah and master strategist DK Shivakumar remained deadlocked late on Wednesday taking the sheen off the overwhelming victory the party achieved against high-riding BJP. From hearing the MLAs, authorising party president Kharge, involving Rahul Gandhi, holding parleys in Delhi and even looking at the prospect of Sonia Gandhi intervening, the war for the throne has exposed the chinks in the Congress armour and spoiling its moment of glory.
Political parties have faced such deadlocks in the past, including the BJP which has a well-defined hierarchy and strong central leadership in place. In 2017, Yoginath was elected CM after a long 8-day delay while the 2021 Assam election saw BJP installing a CM after 7 days. Congress faced tight situations in 2018 after emerging trumps in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh even as pressure built up from two power centres within respective states. In Rajasthan, there was a choice to be made between former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and young and outspoken leader Sachin Pilot. In Chhattisgarh, the fight was between Bhupesh Baghel and TS Singhdeo.
A significant difference between the Congress and the BJP is the high command’s handling of deadlocks. While the BJP has ensured a seamless transition after tying all loose ends, despite delays, the Congress has not been able to do that. Rather, the high command of the Congress is left at the mercy of local satraps trying to strike a balance and satisfy the demands of local leaders.
In Karnataka’s case, although the odds are favouring Siddaramaiah with the high command almost clearing his name triggering off a brief spurt of celebrations, it is Shivakumar that has become a thorn in the flesh. He has not only rejected the deputy CM's post but also dictated terms on a rotation proposal while also listing out points why Siddaramaiah should not be considered for the top post. Unfortunately, the entire rung of party high command is seized with the matter but still unable to break the ice.
The developments across the past four days have shown indecisiveness and an inherent weakness of the high command. Probably, this is a price to pay when multiple leaders contribute in far measures and work selflessly at the hustings without clarity on leadership. Karnataka becomes a tough call because both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have played crucial roles, each in their distinctive way. Their contribution can’t be discounted, add to this the fact that both considered themselves contenders for leadership ahead of the results.
Sooner or later, the Congress high command will come out with a name, but the question is whether that will trigger a further upheaval in the ranks. Congress leadership crises in the past have thrown up revolts with factions splitting the state units and creating chaos. The grand old party may be exercising internal democracy, but it has to also exercise caution so that in the process of naming the CM it does not end up creating factions within the party. The challenge in Karnataka is to ensure that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar work together in the larger interest of the party.
