Siddaramaiah Agrees To Step Down As Karnataka CM? Yathindra May Get Deputy CM Post

The prolonged leadership stand-off within the Karnataka Congress appears to be nearing a conclusion, with strong indications that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may step down from the post following discussions with the Congress high command in Delhi.

According to senior party sources, Siddaramaiah has agreed to resign after talks with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and may formally submit his resignation on May 28. Reports also suggest that Siddaramaiah has sought an appointment with the Governor, signalling that the leadership transition is now entering its final stage.

The reported move comes after months of political speculation surrounding the Congress government's power-sharing arrangement in Karnataka.

Sources within the party said the Congress high command has offered Siddaramaiah a broader political package as part of the transition plan. This reportedly includes a future Rajya Sabha berth and a possible elevation for his son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah within the state government.

There is growing buzz within Congress circles that Yathindra could be accommodated as Deputy Chief Minister as part of efforts to maintain balance among factions in the Karnataka unit after the leadership change.

Rahul Gandhi Reportedly Backed Leadership Transition

Party insiders said Siddaramaiah had travelled to Delhi prepared to resist pressure over stepping down and was expected to strongly defend his continuation as Chief Minister.

However, before the meeting with Siddaramaiah, senior AICC leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal are learnt to have briefed Rahul Gandhi in detail about the power-sharing understanding discussed during the formation of the government in 2023.

According to sources, Rahul Gandhi took a firm position that the Congress should honour the political understanding reached earlier regarding leadership transition in Karnataka.

During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi reportedly told Siddaramaiah that the party had respected his leadership through two terms and would continue to do so, while also stressing the need to allow space for the party's next phase of growth.

Sources said Siddaramaiah raised concerns over protecting the AHINDA social coalition, which has remained central to his political support base in Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi is believed to have assured him that responsibilities within the party and government would be balanced carefully to protect social and regional representation.

Siddaramaiah Said To Have Softened Stand

Following the discussions, Siddaramaiah is believed to have softened his position on the leadership issue.

Several leaders close to the Chief Minister reportedly said he later conveyed internally that the decision was being taken "to stand by Rahul Gandhi's word", indicating that the transition was being framed as a consensual political arrangement rather than pressure from the high command.

The possibility of a Rajya Sabha berth for Siddaramaiah, along with discussions surrounding a key role for Yathindra Siddaramaiah, is believed to have played a major role in easing tensions within the party.

DK Shivakumar Set To Benefit

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is widely expected to emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the transition if Siddaramaiah formally steps down.

Ever since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023, discussions over a rotational Chief Minister arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have remained a major point of political debate.

Supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly demanded that the party honour the reported understanding regarding leadership transfer after the government crossed the halfway mark of its tenure.

Final Stage Of Leadership Transition?

With reports suggesting that Siddaramaiah has already sought time with the Governor, Congress leaders believe the long-running leadership dispute in Karnataka may finally be approaching closure.

While the Congress leadership has not made any official announcement regarding a change in Chief Minister, political activity in both Bengaluru and Delhi has intensified significantly over the past two days.

If the transition takes place as expected, Karnataka could soon witness one of the biggest political developments since the Congress formed the government in 2023.