Agencies | New Delhi:
In a major development in Karnataka politics, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to step down from his post on May 28, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expected to succeed him, sources in the Chief Minister’s Office told CNN-News18.
According to sources, the Congress high command has asked Siddaramaiah to take on a national role in the Rajya Sabha, while Shivakumar is being considered for the Chief Minister’s post. Sources further indicated that Siddaramaiah’s son could be appointed Deputy Chief Minister as part of a possible power-sharing arrangement.
The development follows a crucial meeting held at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala, along with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
The meeting came amid intense speculation surrounding a possible leadership change in Karnataka. However, the Congress officially maintained that discussions were limited to preparations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and that no formal talks took place regarding the state leadership issue.
Behind-the-Scenes Discussions
Despite the party’s public stance, sources suggested that the discussions behind closed doors were more politically significant.
The meeting reportedly lasted over two hours, during which Rahul Gandhi is said to have stressed the need for unity between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar amid months of internal power tussle within the Karnataka Congress.
According to sources, Gandhi conveyed to Siddaramaiah that the prolonged leadership dispute had affected public perception and that commitments made within the party leadership framework needed to be honoured.
Siddaramaiah was reportedly offered a national role along with a Rajya Sabha berth as part of the proposed transition. Sources added that discussions also included the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka if the leadership change materialises.
Uncertainty Remains Over Final Decision
Sources familiar with the matter said Siddaramaiah was initially reluctant to move to New Delhi and was not keen on stepping away from state politics. However, he is believed to have approached the issue in a “mature and accommodative” manner and assured the party leadership of full cooperation in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Despite growing speculation, Congress leaders refrained from making any formal announcement following the meeting, indicating that discussions are still underway.
Party insiders maintained that the final decision regarding Karnataka’s leadership rests with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress high command.
The Congress is reportedly prioritising the Rajya Sabha elections before taking any final call on the Chief Minister’s post. Sources also indicated that if Siddaramaiah steps down, efforts would be made to accommodate his loyalists and ensure representation for his camp in the new political arrangement.
Further discussions are expected in the coming days as the Congress leadership works to balance internal equations ahead of a potential transition in Karnataka.
