Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar rift reignites as DKS cites Sonia Gandhi’s ‘sacrifice’, revives 2.5-year CM deal debate

Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Shivakumar made a pointed reference to Sonia Gandhi’s 2004 decision to forgo the Prime Minister’s post — a remark widely seen as a nudge to Siddaramaiah to honour the alleged post-election pact to share the Chief Minister’s chair.

“Sonia Gandhi was Congress President for 20 years. She sacrificed power… President Abdul Kalam called her to take over as PM, but she proposed Manmohan Singh instead — an economist who could take the country forward,” DKS said, drawing a parallel that didn’t go unnoticed within the party.

Even as he praised the current government and urged voters to re-elect the Congress in 2028, Shivakumar’s comments revived the long-debated “2.5-year formula”, the supposed agreement under which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each serve half the term.

The midway point passed last week with no move from Siddaramaiah to step down, prompting DKS loyalists to intensify pressure on the Chief Minister and the party leadership.

Shivakumar has recently mixed conciliatory remarks with thinly veiled jabs, including his cryptic comment on “word power”.

Siddaramaiah responded indirectly on X, writing, “‘Word’ is not ‘power’ unless it betters the world for the people,” signalling his growing frustration with the public sparring.

The Congress leadership has so far avoided taking a clear stand. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who earlier brokered peace between the two factions, has reportedly told Rahul Gandhi the issue must be resolved before the Karnataka Assembly’s winter session begins on December 8 to prevent a political embarrassment.

The BJP, sensing an opportunity, is preparing to move a no-confidence motion. BJP leader Sunil Kumar said the government was paralysed by its own infighting.

“Siddaramaiah is restricted to Mysuru, and the Deputy Chief Minister to Delhi. Given this situation, we have decided to bring a no-confidence motion,” he said.

For now, Siddaramaiah remains firm, and the party maintains that his position is “not in danger”. But with DKS supporters lobbying in Delhi and tensions escalating in Bengaluru, the Congress faces a delicate balancing act — one it must resolve swiftly to avoid deeper damage in the state.