Speculation Mounts Over Leadership Change in Karnataka; Will Siddaramaiah Resign, D K Shivakumar Could be CM?
Political circles in Karnataka are abuzz with intense speculation that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may resign from his post on Thursday, thereby paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to become the next Chief Minister.
These rumors gained further momentum on Tuesday when Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held a marathon six-hour meeting in Delhi with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
According to sources, Rahul Gandhi urged Siddaramaiah to step down as Chief Minister and offered him a significant role at the national level—a proposal that reportedly included the possibility of securing a Rajya Sabha seat.
Sources indicate that Siddaramaiah subsequently consulted with some of his close aides, informing them that he would respect whatever decision the party high command ultimately takes. Reports suggest that he has convened a breakfast meeting with cabinet ministers on Thursday morning, further fueling speculation that he may tender his resignation on that very day.
Mere speculation: Venugopal
Despite the mounting rumors, Congress General Secretary (Organization) K.C. Venugopal publicly dismissed these reports following the meeting in Delhi. He stated that the discussions primarily pertained to the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council (MLC) elections, characterizing the rumors regarding a leadership change as "mere speculation."
However, the internal power struggle within the Congress party over the top post in Karnataka has been simmering for quite some time. Supporters of D.K. Shivakumar have repeatedly claimed that when the Congress came to power in 2023, the leadership had reached an informal power-sharing agreement, under which both leaders were to serve a tenure of two-and-a-half years each as Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah Reportedly Initially Opposed This Move
According to party insiders, Siddaramaiah was initially reluctant to step down from his post. It is believed that he warned the leadership that his forceful removal could trigger a serious rift within the party, potentially leading many MLAs to rally in his support.
Sources also claim that Siddaramaiah made it clear that, should a change in leadership occur, he would not be willing to serve under D.K. Shivakumar.
Congress Seeks a Smooth Transition
According to reports, the Congress leadership is attempting to handle this transition with extreme caution in order to avoid any internal strife ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections. Siddaramaiah remains one of the party's most prominent OBC faces and continues to enjoy significant support among the MLAs.
Siddaramaiah's son could be offered a ministerial berth
To maintain equilibrium within the party, discussions are also underway regarding the possibility of offering a ministerial berth to Siddaramaiah's son. It is understood that party leaders are exploring options that would facilitate this transition smoothly—without diminishing Siddaramaiah's stature or triggering any rebellion within the state unit.
Sources further indicate that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also favored a change in leadership and participated in the meeting held in Delhi on Tuesday.
As Karnataka gears up for the 2028 Assembly elections, the Congress leadership appears keen to not only project a fresh face but also address concerns regarding potential anti-incumbency sentiments.