Karnataka CM Buzz: Siddaramaiah Exit Speculation Grows, DK Shivakumar May Take Charge

Political uncertainty has intensified in Karnataka amid renewed speculation over a possible leadership change in the Congress government. According to sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may step down soon, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emerging as the frontrunner to replace him. The developments have once again revived discussions around the reported power-sharing arrangement between the two senior Congress leaders after the party formed the government in 2023. Multiple high-level meetings were held in New Delhi involving Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and DK Shivakumar. Sources claim the meetings focused on Karnataka’s political situation and a possible transition in leadership. Reports suggest Siddaramaiah could resign as early as Thursday, while another round of discussions among top Congress leaders is expected to take place. Speculation is also growing that Siddaramaiah may later be moved to the Rajya Sabha if the leadership transition takes place. However, Congress sources have officially denied reports of any decision regarding a change of chief minister. Party insiders maintain that the meetings in Delhi are linked to organizational matters and Rajya Sabha election discussions rather than leadership replacement. Despite the denial, political circles remain abuzz after DK Shivakumar avoided directly answering questions about becoming the next chief minister. The silence from senior leaders has further fueled speculation across Karnataka and the national political landscape. The BJP has also targeted Congress over the ongoing developments, alleging that a “musical chairs” battle for the chief minister’s post has continued since the formation of the government. Karnataka currently has 135 Congress MLAs in the 224-member assembly, giving the party a comfortable majority over the BJP and JD(S). The coming days are expected to be crucial for Karnataka politics as attention remains fixed on the Congress leadership’s final decision regarding the state’s top post.