Power Struggle between Sidaramaiah & D K Shivakumar results in misrule and corruption

 

The Karnataka Congress is embroiled in a power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, with both leaders vying for control. This internal conflict has led to allegations of corruption and misrule. Result: The common man bears the brunt. The government is facing internal turmoil due to this power struggle, leading to rampant corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance. As Sidaramaiah approaches its midway milestone—completing two and a half years in office this November—internal dissent and governance challenges have openly surfaced, threatening the party’s cohesion and public image. The conflict between the two began after the 2023 elections, when Shivakumar reportedly expected to become the Chief Minister. However, the party’s high command chose Siddaramaiah for the top post, with Shivakumar settling for the deputy role. A faction of MLAs loyal to Shivakumar has been pushing for a leadership change, citing a supposed agreement that Shivakumar would become CM after two and-a-half years. Recently, a Minister hinted at significant political developments after September, fueling speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle or leadership change. Congress General Secretary Ran deep Surjewala is often seen camping in Bengaluru to assess the situation and meet with MLAs. Surjewala’s visits are aimed to quell disillusionment among party leaders and ensure smooth going, which seems to be a mirage going by current situation in the state. Some Congress MLAs have made allegations of corruption against the Siddaramaiah government, with BJP and JD(S) demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation. A Shivakumar loyalist, predicted that Shivakumar could replace Siddaramaiah within three months. However, Siddaramaiah has dismissed these claims, asserting that the government will complete its five-year term. A change in leadership is possible, but Shivkumar’s corrupt practices and ongoing ED and IT cases regarding disproportionate assets might make it challenging for the high command to consider him for the top post. The fact remains that Chief Minister Sidaramaiah has been facing challenges from within the party from day one of his taking over as Shivakumar who is also state Congress president is keeping him on tenterhooks, seeking to become the Chief Minister. The power struggle within the Karnataka Congress highlights the challenges faced by the party in maintaining internal unity and ensuring good governance. The outcome of this conflict will have significant implications for the state’s politics and the party’s prospects in future elections. This ongoing drama for power struggle has led to rampant corruption that has permeated various sectors, including private infrastructure projects of national importance. For example, Wind and Solar projects, crucial for the state’s development, are allegedly being targeted by local district level politicians and their associates owing allegiance to these two leaders, who demand ransom money for even the movement of vehicles and trailers carrying materials, leave alone erecting the wind mills or solar projects. The corruption is widespread, with multiple layers of governance involved. Local administration, police, small politicians, and associations like Kannada Sangha and Ambedkar associations, including defeated MLAs belonging to BJP, Congress and JDS, who are reportedly seeking ransom money at every point. This has led to increased costs for project developers, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers. The alleged extortionate practices are affecting the timely completion of projects, potentially hindering Karnataka’s development. Private infrastructure projects, including those in the renewable energy sector, are crucial for the state’s growth, but corruption is deterring investors and slowing progress. To address this issue, the following steps are necessary: 1. Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Establish independent oversight bodies to monitor infrastructure projects and investigate allegations of corruption. 2. Enhance Accountability: Hold officials and small time politicians accountable for corrupt practices, imposing strict penalties for misconduct. 3. Encourage Whistleblower Protection: Protect whistle-blowers who report corruption, providing them with confidentiality and safeguards against retaliation. 4. Bringing Corruption to the Notice of Authorities: - --File Complaints. ---Register complaints with anti-corruption agencies, such as the Lokayata or the Anti-Corruption Bureau. ---Approach the Vigilance Department*: Contact the vigilance department, which is responsible for investigating corruption cases. ---Report to Central Agencies: In cases involving large-scale corruption, citizens can report to central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Corruption in Karnataka’s infrastructure projects, including wind and solar initiatives, is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed urgently. The government must take concrete steps to curb corruption, improve transparency, and enhance accountability The rise of multiple power centers within the party has made governance complex and challenging. Lack of Development Funds for MLAs has resulted in delays in project execution, and has compelled them with no choice but to indulge in corruption. It has also resulted in administrative Inefficiency and ministerial unresponsiveness. The government’s public image is suffering due to these allegations and infighting. With murmurs of a “revolution” post-September and opposition parties watching closely, the Congress cannot afford to lose momentum. The internal discord threatens to undermine the gains from flagship welfare schemes and erode voter confidence ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

 

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are R K Mattoo views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy: R K Mattoo and  Spade A Spade-July 2025