Congress Faces Internal Struggles in Karnataka

The Congress party in Karnataka is grappling with internal challenges as the November 2025 deadline for a power-sharing agreement approaches. Party insiders fear a repeat of past issues seen in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab, where internal conflicts led to the loss of power between 2018 and 2023. The situation in Madhya Pradesh was particularly notable when Jyotiraditya Scindia defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020. Similar rivalries in other states, such as those between Captain Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu in Punjab, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan, and Bhupesh Baghel and TS Singhdeo in Chhattisgarh, exacerbated the party’s struggles.

The Dilemma of Replacing Siddaramaiah

In Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha, discussions are ongoing about whether Rahul Gandhi will initiate a leadership change by replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with DK Shivakumar. Despite the Congress’s strong performance in the May 2023 elections, Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to balance interests within the party have not yielded the desired results. The challenge lies in removing Siddaramaiah, a backward-class leader, without upsetting the party’s social justice agenda.

Mallikarjun Kharge’s Role and Aspirations

Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), adds another layer of complexity. Kharge is interested in succeeding Siddaramaiah but faces skepticism from party leaders familiar with Karnataka politics. His potential appointment is seen as unlikely by many within the party.

Implications for Congress’s Future

The outcome of the Bihar assembly elections could significantly impact Rahul Gandhi’s ability to maneuver within the party. A victory for the mahagathbandan could strengthen his position, while a poor showing might lead to further uncertainty not only in Karnataka but also in other states like Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.

Lessons from Past Leadership Decisions

Rahul Gandhi’s past decisions regarding chief ministerial appointments have been criticized for creating confusion. In Chhattisgarh, his attempt to act democratically led to internal rebellion and dissatisfaction among party leaders. The lessons from these experiences highlight the need for decisive leadership to prevent further fragmentation within the Congress.