Congress high command pushes leadership change amid power-sharing buzz

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to resign on Thursday, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post, according to multiple sources. The move comes after a marathon meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Tuesday.

The development marks a significant shift in Karnataka politics, ending months of speculation over the leadership tussle between the two senior Congress leaders.

High Command Meeting Lasts Over Six Hours

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar arrived in the national capital on Monday night and held discussions lasting nearly six hours with the party high command. Sources indicated that Rahul Gandhi urged Siddaramaiah to step down and offered him a Rajya Sabha seat along with an important national role in Delhi.

The Chief Minister, who initially showed reluctance, is understood to have eventually agreed to the party's decision after consultations with his supporters. He has reportedly called his ministers for a breakfast meeting on Thursday morning, where the resignation is likely to be formalised.

Venugopal Dismisses Speculation

However, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, who was present in the meeting, downplayed the reports. "The speculations are only speculations. There is no truth in them. The meeting discussed Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections," he said.

Despite the official denial, ground reports and sources close to the developments suggest a clear push for change.

Power-Sharing Formula Comes into Play

The leadership churn traces back to the 2023 assembly elections when Congress formed the government in Karnataka. Supporters of DK Shivakumar have long claimed an informal understanding of a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing formula. The government completed 2.5 years in November 2025, intensifying the demand for a transition.

Siddaramaiah, the party's prominent OBC face and AHINDA leader, has enjoyed strong support among a large section of MLAs. Sources say he had earlier warned that any forced removal could lead to a split, with 50-60 legislators potentially backing him. He is also believed to have stated that he would not work under Shivakumar.

Strategy for 2028 Polls

Congress appears keen to manage the transition carefully to avoid rebellion and prepare for the 2028 assembly elections. Siddaramaiah will turn 80 by then, and the party hopes a fresh face could help counter anti-incumbency. There are indications that Siddaramaiah's son could be accommodated in the cabinet as part of the settlement.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is also understood to have backed the leadership change during the Delhi meeting.

Mixed Reactions Within Party

The power tussle has been simmering for over a year. While Shivakumar's camp points to the rotational arrangement, Siddaramaiah's loyalists have consistently denied any such deal. In recent months, both leaders maintained a public show of unity even as differences persisted on cabinet expansion and other issues.

Shivakumar, a powerful Vokkaliga leader credited with strengthening the party organisation, has positioned himself as the natural successor. Siddaramaiah, on the other hand, has been credited with several welfare initiatives during his tenure.

As of Wednesday evening, the situation remained fluid. A Congress Legislature Party meeting is expected soon after the resignation to formally elect the new leader.

Political observers note that the change could bring new energy to the government but also carries risks of internal unrest if not handled delicately. Karnataka remains crucial for Congress in the south, and the party will be keen to ensure stability ahead of future electoral battles.

The coming days are likely to witness hectic political activity in Bengaluru as the transition unfolds.