The political air in Karnataka is thick with anticipation and unspoken tension. At the heart of it all is the simmering Karnataka CM row between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy, D.K. Shivakumar. Now, a new and explosive element has been thrown into the mix: a direct namedrop of Rahul Gandhi by Shivakumar’s own brother, D.K. Suresh, claiming the Congress leader himself has promised a decision “at the right time.”
This development isn’t just gossip; it’s a strategic move that shifts the narrative from internal party squabbles to a direct appeal to the party’s national leadership. With the upcoming legislative session set to begin on January 22, 2026 , the clock is ticking for the Congress high command to make a choice that could define the state’s political future for years to come.
Table of Contents
- The Rahul Gandhi Assurance: What Was Said?
- DK Shivakumar: The Patient Contender
- Siddaramaiah and the High Command
- Why the Upcoming Assembly Session Matters
- The Stakes for Congress Party Unity
- Conclusion: A Decision at the Right Time or a Crisis at the Wrong One?
- Sources
The Rahul Gandhi Assurance: What Was Said?
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka’s political circles, D.K. Suresh, the MP and brother of Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, has gone public with a claim that Rahul Gandhi personally assured them that a decision on the chief ministerial post would be made “at an appropriate time” . This is not a vague statement; it’s a direct reference to a private conversation, effectively bypassing the usual channels of party communication and placing the onus squarely on the Gandhi family-led high command.
By invoking Rahul Gandhi’s name, Suresh has done two things. First, he has validated his brother’s claim to the top post, suggesting it has the backing of the party’s most influential figures. Second, he has created a public timeline—or at least the expectation of one—forcing the high command to act sooner rather than later. This tactic is a classic power play, designed to generate public and media pressure.
DK Shivakumar: The Patient Contender
While his brother makes the public statements, D.K. Shivakumar himself is projecting an image of disciplined patience. He has repeatedly stated that he is not in a hurry and is willing to wait for the party’s decision, all while emphasizing the importance of party unity . This carefully crafted persona is crucial to his strategy. It allows him to appear as a loyal soldier, not a rebellious factional leader, which is a vital distinction within the Congress party’s ethos.
Shivakumar’s camp argues that after playing a pivotal role in the party’s 2023 victory and managing the complex coalition dynamics, he deserves a chance at the chief ministership. His supporters point to his organizational strength and his ability to manage the party’s finances and ground-level operations as key qualifications. The DK Shivakumar Rahul Gandhi connection, now made public by his brother, is being used to bolster this narrative of legitimacy.
Siddaramaiah and the High Command
On the other side of the aisle, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintains a calm but firm stance. He has not engaged in public sparring, instead choosing to keep his counsel and express his willingness to abide by whatever decision the high command makes . His recent statement that he is open to discussions in New Delhi signals that he is not shutting the door on a negotiated settlement, but he is also not conceding his position.
Siddaramaiah’s strength lies in his experience and his current incumbency. He has a clear administrative record to run on and enjoys support from a significant section of the party’s old guard. The Siddaramaiah Congress high command relationship is being tested, as the high command must weigh the stability of his current administration against the potential for a more dynamic, but possibly more volatile, leadership under Shivakumar.
Why the Upcoming Assembly Session Matters
The timing of this controversy is no accident. The Karnataka Legislative Assembly’s ninth session of the 16th assembly is scheduled to commence on January 22, 2026 . This session is critical for the government to present its agenda and pass important legislation. Having a public and unresolved Karnataka leadership crisis hanging over the session is a major liability.
A divided leadership will be a gift to the opposition, particularly the BJP, which will seek to exploit any sign of weakness. The high command is acutely aware that a messy session could damage the party’s image just a few years before the next state elections. Therefore, the pressure is mounting to resolve the issue before the gavel comes down on the first day of the session.
The Stakes for Congress Party Unity
Beyond the personal ambitions of the two leaders, the real casualty of this prolonged Karnataka CM row could be the Congress party itself. The state unit, which was united in its mission to defeat the BJP in 2023, is now showing signs of strain. The public airing of grievances, even through a proxy like D.K. Suresh, risks creating permanent factions.
The Congress’s ability to project a united front is its primary weapon against a well-funded and organized opposition. If the Congress party unity Karnataka is fractured, it could have long-term consequences, potentially leading to defections and a loss of public trust. The high command’s decision is not just about who becomes CM; it’s about preserving the very structure of the party in the state.
Conclusion: A Decision at the Right Time or a Crisis at the Wrong One?
Rahul Gandhi’s alleged promise of a decision “at the right time” has now become a public deadline. The Congress high command can no longer afford to delay. The upcoming assembly session provides a natural inflection point. A clear, decisive announcement before January 22nd could restore order and allow the government to function effectively. A failure to act, however, will confirm the worst fears of party loyalists and hand a significant advantage to their opponents. The ball is now firmly in the high command’s court, and the entire state is watching.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Decision at right time’: DK Shivakumar’s brother namedrops Rahul Gandhi in CM row
- Karnataka Legislative Assembly: Sixteenth Assembly – Ninth Session – Provisional Programme
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