A major leadership transition may soon unfold in Karnataka, with the Congress high command reportedly backing DK Shivakumar for the chief minister’s post after months of internal power struggle within the party.
According to NDTV sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been offered a Rajya Sabha seat along with a larger national role in Delhi and is expected to step down within the next few days.
Sources said Siddaramaiah has informed close aides that he would “abide by the decisions of the high command,” though he has reportedly sought some time before making a final decision on the Rajya Sabha offer. The Congress leadership, however, has not officially confirmed any leadership change so far.
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Leadership tussle reaches turning point
The development follows a marathon six-hour meeting involving senior Congress leaders in Delhi on Monday.
After the meeting, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal publicly dismissed speculation around a leadership change and said discussions were held only regarding Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
But sources told NDTV that the meeting effectively resolved the long-running tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the top post. The leadership issue has remained unresolved since the Congress formed the government in Karnataka after the 2023 Assembly elections.
Supporters of Shivakumar had repeatedly claimed that the party leadership promised a rotational chief minister arrangement at the time, under which Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years.
Shivakumar eventually accepted the deputy chief minister’s role after reportedly receiving assurances about a future transition, party insiders have maintained.
Siddaramaiah camp seeks safeguards
Sources indicated that Siddaramaiah may convene a breakfast meeting with ministers later this week, where he could formally announce his resignation
At the same time, reports suggest the outgoing chief minister is pushing for multiple deputy chief minister positions in the next government to accommodate loyalists and maintain influence within the state unit.
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A section of leaders close to Siddaramaiah is also said to be unhappy with the transition plan and has urged him to reconsider stepping down. Congress Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala is expected to arrive in Bengaluru on Wednesday as discussions over the transition continue.
Why Congress delayed the move
Earlier, the Congress high command was opposed to any alteration of the chief minister due to fears that Siddaramaiah enjoys strong backing from the AHINDA – a collective term for the minorities, backward classes and Dalits who contributed significantly to their 2023 election win.
However, following mounting pressure from the Shivakumar group and with indications that there is now some level of impatience amongst their supporters, the Congress leadership seems to be ready to implement the formula. According to sources, Karnataka might even have a new government in the next one week.
