Row affecting governance, brass must step in: Analysts

BENGALURU: Congress high command is under fire for its handling of the row over demands for a change at the helm of the govt in the state, with critics accusing it of failing to address infighting.
Until now, the tug-of-war for the top job between chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar was in the shadows, but it has now blown into the open.While Shivakumar is reportedly hopeful Siddaramaiah will relinquish his position midway through the govt’s five-year term, Siddaramaiah has shown no inclination to step down.
While Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar themselves have said very little in public, supporters of the two have kept the fire burning with demands for more deputy CMs. This goes to the heart of the squabble which erupted soon after Congress’ thumping victory in last year's assembly elections. When Shivakumar reportedly pushed for the chief minister post, party brass is said to have placated him with the exclusive position of deputy CM.
But now, those seen close to Siddaramaiah are demanding additional deputy CM posts — in what is seen as a bid to curb Shivakumar’s influence in the part and govt — while Shivakumar’s supporters want Siddaramaiah to quit and hand over the reins to the Kanakapura strongman. This has created a challenging scenario for the party’s central brass which, critics say, had merely watched from the sidelines.
“This lack of action is affecting governance as uncertainty continues to swirl,” said Vishwas Shetty, political analyst. “The high command should engage with both functionaries and clarify the situation regarding a change and put an end to speculation.”
‘Can’t rock the boat’
But psephologist Sandeep Shastri suggested that Congress brass is weighing its options given the Lok Sabha elections and emerging national trends. “They don’t want to rock the boat too much,” Shastri said. “Due to factionalism within, they are mindful of disturbing the govt’s stability. They are likely to urge different factions to set aside their differences and work together. Any leadership change or reshuffle at this point might cre- ate more problems than offer solutions.”
Prof Ravindra Reshme, political analyst, said the high command is unlikely to replace Siddaramaiah given his experience and mass appeal. He also pointed out that winning Karnataka was a significant morale booster for the high command and Rahul Gandhi.
“The elevation of Mallikarjun Kharge as AICC president is seen as a lucky charm,” Reshme said. “But while Shivakumar has proven his competence as organisational president and a grassroots-level mobiliser, his temperament and controversial background are seen as inhibitory factors preventing any change in the status quo, especially with NDA under Narendra Modi back at Centre. The party high command, especially with NDA under Modi’s stranglehold, is unlikely to risk instability with a leadership change now.”