Bengaluru, May 27: The stage appears set for a major political transition in Karnataka, with the Congress leadership reportedly preparing to elevate Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister, replacing Siddaramaiah.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah is likely to step down after a breakfast meeting scheduled on Thursday and submit his resignation to the Governor. He is also expected to address the media before or after tendering his resignation.
The possible change comes after months of intense speculation and internal power tussle between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps. The Congress high command is said to have handled the issue cautiously, keeping in mind Siddaramaiah’s strong AHINDA support base comprising minorities, backward classes and Dalits.
Senior Dalit leaders, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa, have publicly stated that they would abide by the decision of the Congress high command. Muniyappa also clarified that he would not press for a Dalit Chief Minister if a leadership change takes place.
Sources said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with AICC leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal, persuaded Siddaramaiah to ensure a smooth transition. The high command also reportedly ensured that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held discussions together before jointly addressing the media in Delhi.
Celebrations have reportedly begun at Shivakumar’s residence in Bengaluru, with supporters bursting crackers and loyalist MLAs claiming that he is set to become the next Chief Minister.
Party insiders said the Congress may also appoint Deputy Chief Ministers from Lingayat, AHINDA and minority communities to ensure broader social representation ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
The leadership change is being seen as part of Congress’ larger strategy to counter anti-incumbency, retain its AHINDA vote bank and attract Vokkaliga support, especially in the wake of the BJP-JD(S) alliance.
However, political observers believe the stability of the Congress government will depend on how Siddaramaiah responds to the transition. The BJP, meanwhile, has mocked the Congress over the developments and claimed that Karnataka may be heading towards early Assembly elections.
