The group of MLAs—reported to include the minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy and legislators Iqbal Hussain, H. C. Balakrishna and S. R. Srinivas—arrived in the national capital to amplify a demand that the alleged 2023 power-sharing agreement be honoured. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has countered that he commands majority support and intends to serve the full term, dismissing the suggestion of an internal transition as a speculative distraction.
Political analysts interpret the mobilisation in Delhi as a tactical signal by the Shivakumar camp — a push for clarity on the deal that reportedly promised Shivakumar the top post after two and a half years of the government’s term. The timing is considered deliberate, given that Siddaramaiah’s tenure completed 2½ years, broadly matching the halfway point for the government’s five-year cycle.
Asserting his authority, Siddaramaiah convened an early return to Bengaluru, cutting short a scheduled tour to Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, signalling heightened focus on his control over the government. Shivakumar, for his part, significantly distanced himself from the delegation, stating he was unaware of the MLAs’ visit and said he was unwell, though he affirmed his support for Siddaramaiah’s leadership role.
The power-sharing narrative has been contested within the party. Siddaramaiah has publicly rejected any rotational chief ministership agreement and insisted that any decision on leadership or reshuffle lies solely with the national high command. Meanwhile, a senior minister aligned to Siddaramaiah warned of multiple power centres within the state unit, saying this dynamic threatened cohesive governance.
Opposition parties have seized on the internal tension, suggesting that the ruling party’s stability is compromised. The BJP, for instance, has argued that the latent leadership struggle presents an opportunity to trigger a mid-term election rather than simply watch internal fray unfold. The arrival of Vokkaliga-community MLAs in Delhi from Shivakumar’s camp has been seen as a strategic maneuver to shore up regional social support for a leadership bid.
In conversation with journalists, one of the visiting legislators from Shivakumar’s camp noted that the demand is simple: fulfil the promise made in 2023. “We have stood by the party and now expect clarity,” the MLA remarked. The vagueness surrounding whether the promise was officially recorded or merely verbally agreed is fuelling speculation. On the other hand, Siddaramaiah told reporters that the focus must remain on governance and delivering on his government's manifesto commitments. “My position has been strong and will remain so,” he said.
Senior party figures in the national leadership are reportedly engaged in consultations, though no formal statement has been issued. The lack of clarity places pressure on the state government’s functioning, given that leadership uncertainty often translates into policy inertia and eroded administrative coherence. Observers point out that the government’s high-profile “Guarantee” agenda has completed the first half of its cycle and is entering the phase where visible implementation becomes critical.