Political uncertainty has intensified in Karnataka after reports suggested that the Congress high command is actively working on a leadership transition that could see Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the coming days. The developments follow a series of marathon meetings in New Delhi involving senior Congress leaders, fueling speculation about a major power shift within the Karnataka government.
According to multiple reports, the Congress leadership has been trying to find a compromise formula to manage the long-running power tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, both of whom are considered among the party’s strongest leaders in Karnataka. Sources indicated that the leadership is exploring ways to ensure a smooth transition without triggering factional unrest inside the state unit.
Reports claimed that Siddaramaiah may be offered a Rajya Sabha seat and a larger organisational or national role within the Congress as part of efforts to facilitate the transition. The move is reportedly being considered as an “honourable exit” while preserving Siddaramaiah’s stature within the party.
The leadership discussions come nearly three years after Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023. At the time, intense negotiations between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps had delayed the Chief Ministerial announcement. Eventually, Siddaramaiah was appointed Chief Minister while Shivakumar became Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.
Political observers have long speculated that an informal rotational power-sharing understanding existed between the two camps when the government was formed. Shivakumar supporters have repeatedly argued that he was promised the Chief Minister’s post midway through the government’s term, though Congress officially never confirmed such an arrangement.
The recent Delhi meetings involving Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar have further intensified speculation. Sources suggested that Congress is keen to avoid a Rajasthan-style internal crisis and is therefore carefully negotiating a formula acceptable to both camps.
Despite the growing buzz, Congress leaders publicly denied that any final decision has been taken. Party leaders insisted that discussions in Delhi were mainly focused on Rajya Sabha nominations and organisational matters rather than an immediate change in Karnataka leadership.
Shivakumar has also remained cautious in his public remarks. When asked about the possibility of becoming Chief Minister, he recently said that “time will answer,” avoiding any direct claim while keeping speculation alive.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah reportedly held meetings with loyalist ministers and MLAs in Bengaluru after returning from Delhi, indicating that his camp is also actively monitoring political developments.
