Siddaramaiah Likely To Step Down As Karnataka CM On May 28, Congress Leadership Backs DK Shivakumar

The long-running power tussle within the Congress in Karnataka may finally be nearing its conclusion, with senior party leaders reportedly backing Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for the top post. According to sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been asked to shift to a larger national role in Delhi and has been offered a Rajya Sabha seat as part of the transition plan.

Sources said Siddaramaiah has sought time before making a final decision, but has already informed close loyalists that he would "abide by the decisions of the high command". If developments move according to plan, he could resign as early as Wednesday.

Siddaramaiah Calls Ministers For Breakfast Meeting

Speculation over the leadership transition intensified after sources revealed that Siddaramaiah has invited ministers for a breakfast meeting on Thursday. Political circles believe the Chief Minister could formally announce his resignation during the gathering.

Congress Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala is also expected to arrive in Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon to oversee the developments. Sources indicated that if the transition proceeds smoothly, a new government may be formed within a week.

There are also indications that the next government could include multiple Deputy Chief Ministers. The arrangement is reportedly being considered to accommodate leaders close to Siddaramaiah and maintain internal balance within the party.

Six-Hour Congress Meeting Fuels Speculation

The Congress leadership held a marathon six-hour meeting earlier in the day, though party leaders publicly denied that discussions were linked to a leadership change in Karnataka.

"Discussions were held regarding the Rajya Sabha and MLC elections. There is no truth to any other speculation," party General Secretary KC Venugopal said in a brief statement after the meeting.

Despite the official denial, sources maintained that the leadership issue was one of the central points of discussion.

The disagreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the Chief Minister's post has persisted for more than a year. Supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly claimed that the Congress high command had promised a rotational Chief Minister arrangement after the party's victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.

According to sources, Shivakumar accepted the Deputy Chief Minister's role only after receiving assurances that he would take over as Chief Minister after two-and-a-half years.

Why Congress Leadership Is Now Ready For Change

Siddaramaiah had earlier argued against a leadership change, saying it could slow governance and create instability in the state. In December last year, two separate breakfast meetings between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar failed to resolve the deadlock.

At that point, Siddaramaiah was believed to have the support of nearly 110 Congress MLAs, giving him a strong position within the party. Meanwhile, the Congress central leadership largely maintained silence on the matter. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge had only said that Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders would eventually take a call.

The Congress was initially reluctant to disturb the existing arrangement because of Siddaramaiah's strong backing among the AHINDA social coalition, which includes minorities, backward classes and Dalits. The support of these groups had played a major role in the party's sweeping victory in Karnataka in 2023.

The party also feared that replacing Siddaramaiah ahead of elections in neighbouring Tamil Nadu could trigger political backlash among these communities.

Unease Within Siddaramaiah Camp

Now that the elections are over, sources said the Congress leadership has reconsidered its stand, particularly amid concerns that Shivakumar's camp was growing increasingly impatient over the delay.

However, uncertainty still remains within the state unit. Several Karnataka Congress leaders are reportedly unsure whether Siddaramaiah should move to Delhi or continue in state politics for a longer period.

Sources also said a section of leaders close to Siddaramaiah are unhappy with the possibility of his resignation and have advised him to carefully evaluate all options before taking a final decision.

The Chief Minister, who is currently in Delhi, is expected to return to Bengaluru later tonight.