Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly set to step down within the next few days after the Congress high command is learnt to have backed Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post in the state.
According to multiple media reports, the Congress leadership has largely resolved the long-running power tussle in Karnataka in favour of Shivakumar after a series of consultations in New Delhi. Siddaramaiah has reportedly been offered a Rajya Sabha berth and a larger role in national politics, though no official announcement has been made so far.
The development comes after a marathon meeting of senior Congress leaders in Delhi on Tuesday. While the party publicly maintained that the discussions were related to upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections, speculation over a leadership change intensified following the meeting.
Reports suggested Siddaramaiah has discussed the issue with close aides and indicated that he would abide by the party high command’s decision. He is also likely to hold discussions with ministers and loyalist MLAs in Bengaluru before any formal announcement.
Also read: Karnataka CM change ‘confusion’ to be cleared tomorrow
Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala is expected to reach Bengaluru amid indications that the transition process could begin shortly. Media reports claimed the new government may be sworn in within a week if the leadership change proceeds as planned.
Shivakumar, one of the Congress’s most influential leaders in Karnataka, had agreed to serve as Deputy Chief Minister in 2023 after being assured of a rotational chief ministership arrangement. His supporters have repeatedly asserted that a power-sharing formula had been worked out when the Congress formed the government after defeating the BJP in the Assembly polls.
The Congress leadership had earlier avoided making any change, due to Siddaramaiah’s strong support among the AHINDA social coalition comprising minorities, backward classes and Dalits, which played a key role in the party’s electoral success.
However, following the conclusion of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and growing pressure from Shivakumar’s camp, the party leadership is now believed to have moved towards a transition.
Reports also suggested that the new government could have multiple Deputy Chief Ministers to accommodate leaders close to Siddaramaiah and ensure a smooth power shift within the ruling party.
Neither Siddaramaiah nor Shivakumar has officially commented on the reports so far.
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