Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar trade veiled remarks over an alleged power-sharing promise as Congress government crosses mid-term. Leadership rift resurfaces.

Bengaluru witnessed renewed political friction on Thursday as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar exchanged pointed remarks over the importance of keeping promises, hinting at the ongoing leadership tussle within the state Congress.

Shivakumar took to social media saying, “Word power is world power,” suggesting that a commitment made must be honoured. In a subtle counter, Siddaramaiah responded, stating that a promise holds value only when it “betters the world for the people.”

The remarks are widely seen as an indirect reference to the speculated power-sharing agreement from 2023, under which Shivakumar is believed to have been assured the CM role halfway into the term. Siddaramaiah, however, reiterated that “the people’s mandate is a five-year responsibility,” signalling his intent to complete the full term.

Highlighting governance over politics, Siddaramaiah said his previous tenure saw 95% fulfillment of 165 promises, and reaffirmed that more than 243 out of 593 assurances in the current term had already been implemented, with the remainder to follow under his leadership.

Shivakumar, meanwhile, has maintained that walking the talk is the greatest strength in leadership—remarks internally viewed as a reminder to the high command. Party sources indicate that several MLAs aligned with him have made Delhi visits to push for a leadership transition.

The messaging war reflects growing unease in Karnataka Congress as the government crosses its halfway mark. While Siddaramaiah leans on delivery-based leadership, Shivakumar is invoking political commitment signalling rising pressure ahead of local polls. If unresolved soon, the rift could impact governance stability and electoral momentum.