Who Will Be Karnataka’s Next CM If Siddaramaiah Resigns? Here Are the Top Leaders in Contention

Speculation surrounding a possible leadership change in Karnataka has once again intensified after reports suggested that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could be offered a Rajya Sabha berth as part of a transition plan within the Congress. There are also reports that a possible Cabinet role for Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra was discussed as part of the broader political negotiations.

Although the party leadership has officially denied any discussion on replacing the Chief Minister, recent meetings between senior Congress leaders in Delhi and the upcoming breakfast meeting between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have fuelled fresh political chatter.

If Siddaramaiah eventually steps down, several senior Congress leaders are being seen as possible contenders for the Chief Minister's post.

DK Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remains the strongest and most talked-about contender in the race for the top post.

Ever since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023, there has been constant speculation about a power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. According to political discussions within the party, Shivakumar was expected to take over as Chief Minister after Siddaramaiah completed half of his tenure.

That midway point was crossed in November 2025, but no leadership transition took place.

Over the past several months, Shivakumar's supporters have openly demanded that he be made Chief Minister, arguing that he played a major role in rebuilding the Congress in Karnataka and securing the party's Assembly election victory.

However, reports now suggest that Siddaramaiah may not be fully comfortable with Shivakumar taking over as his successor, making the situation politically sensitive for the Congress high command.

Mallikarjun Kharge

As the tussle between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps continues, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also emerged as a possible compromise candidate.

According to reports, if Siddaramaiah remains unwilling to back Shivakumar's elevation, the party leadership could consider Kharge for the Chief Minister's post to maintain balance within the Karnataka unit.

Kharge, one of the tallest Dalit leaders in the Congress, is seen as someone acceptable to different factions within the party. His experience at both state and national levels has added weight to the discussions.

Political observers also believe that such a move could lead to a larger reshuffle within the Congress organisation at the national level.

G Parameshwara

Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara is another name that has surfaced in recent political discussions.

Although he is not currently viewed as the frontrunner, sections of Congress workers and leaders have publicly expressed support for him over the past several months.

Parameshwara is regarded as an experienced administrator and an influential Dalit face within the Karnataka Congress. Supporters believe he could emerge as a consensus candidate if internal differences between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps continue.

Siddaramaiah Still Holds Strong Influence

Despite growing speculation over leadership change, Siddaramaiah remains one of the most influential leaders in Karnataka Congress.

He continues to command strong support among legislators and party workers, particularly as the party's most prominent OBC face in the state.

Reports suggest that the Congress leadership may offer Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha seat if he agrees to step down. Discussions regarding a possible Cabinet position for his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah have also reportedly taken place.

At the same time, some leaders within the Siddaramaiah camp are believed to feel that leading the government closer to the 2028 Assembly elections could politically test Shivakumar due to possible anti-incumbency against the government.

Breakfast Meeting Under Spotlight

Amid the speculation, Siddaramaiah is scheduled to hold a breakfast meeting with DK Shivakumar at his official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru on Thursday morning.

While Congress leaders continue to publicly dismiss rumours of a leadership change, the meeting is being closely watched in Karnataka political circles for any indication about the future leadership of the state government.

For now, the Congress leadership appears focused on maintaining balance between competing factions, but if Siddaramaiah eventually steps aside, Karnataka could witness a major political shift in the coming months.