The upcoming Karnataka State Cooperative Apex Bank elections have stirred speculation of a power struggle within the state Congress, with Congress legislator S Ravi filing his nomination papers for the bank’s board of directors on Friday. Ravi, who is the brother-in-law of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and represents Bengaluru in the Legislative Council, has intensified speculation about a behind-the-scenes tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, although the party’s leadership continues to publicly deny any internal conflict.
Key Players in the Apex Bank Election
- S Ravi (Shivakumar camp): Filed nomination for the board of directors; reportedly promised the presidency by Siddaramaiah and AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala after incumbent Belli Prakash’s term.
- KN Rajanna (Siddaramaiah camp): Former minister and board member from Tumakuru; filed nomination earlier on January 12. He has previously led the bank board twice (2001–2005 and 2015–2020) and is considered the Chief Minister’s choice for the post.
- Belli Prakash (BJP): Incumbent president; term extended by Siddaramaiah in November 2025.
- Other notable directors: Janata Dal (Secular) MLC Suraj Revanna and KP Ganapathi (BJP).
The Apex Bank board consists of 21 directors, with the president elected based on the majority vote of the directors. Currently, Congress reportedly has the support of 16 out of 19 eligible directors, while three are from JD(S) and BJP.
Why Tensions Are Rising
Political observers note that the composition of nominations suggests a clear division along Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar lines:
- Siddaramaiah’s supporters appear to outnumber Shivakumar’s for the directorial posts.
- Shivakumar, however, is considered a skilled election strategist, and insiders suggest he may still influence outcomes despite being in the minority camp.
The Apex Bank presidency has become a symbolically important post, as control over the bank can help consolidate financial and grassroots influence in the state Congress unit.
Background: Leadership Dynamics in Karnataka Congress
The internal power equations have been under scrutiny since the halfway mark of the Siddaramaiah government in November 2025, when reports suggested a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after the 2023 assembly elections.
- Initially, Shivakumar was allegedly promised a share in top leadership roles.
- Following political developments and internal pressures, Rajanna was chosen as the CM’s candidate for the Apex Bank presidency instead of Ravi, even though Ravi had received assurances about the post.
This election is being closely watched as a potential proxy battle between the CM and DyCM, with party insiders and media speculating that the outcome could influence the state Congress leadership dynamics in the coming years.
Timeline for Apex Bank Elections
- Nomination Scrutiny: January 17, 2026
- Presidential Election: Approximately two weeks after scrutiny, likely in early February 2026
Takeaway:
While officially denied, the Apex Bank elections have become a flashpoint for internal Congress politics in Karnataka, with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar’s camps seemingly set for a strategic face-off. How the board votes could signal shifts in influence ahead of the second half of the Siddaramaiah government’s term.
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