Sources say Siddaramaiah signalled intent to step down; DK Shivakumar named possible successor amid party talks

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to step down, with party sources and officials pointing to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as the leading candidate to succeed him. State and party circles were abuzz on Thursday after Siddaramaiah reportedly informed his Cabinet colleagues of his decision during a morning meeting, even as the Congress maintained there was no official announcement.

Breakfast meeting update
Officials who attended a breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence said Siddaramaiah called ministers early on Thursday. Photographs released by the Chief Minister’s Office showed an emotional exchange between the two leaders — one image captured Siddaramaiah hugging Shivakumar, while another showed Shivakumar touching the Chief Minister’s feet and seeking his blessings. Local aides described the scene as reflective of a consensual transition, though no formal resignation had been filed with the Governor as of late evening.

Party sources speak
“Discussions have been underway for some time,” a senior Congress functionary in Bengaluru told reporters on condition of anonymity. “Siddaramaiah was asked to consider a larger national role and a Rajya Sabha seat. He has indicated willingness to make way, but final formalities are pending.” Sources close to the party high command said meetings in Delhi earlier this week — involving Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi — centred on future strategy and possible reshuffles.

Who is D.K. Shivakumar?
Doddalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar, 64, popularly known as DKS, has been Deputy Chief Minister since May 2023 and is widely regarded inside Congress as an organisational troubleshooter. An MLA since 1989, Shivakumar represents Kanakapura and has handled portfolios such as Water Resources, Bengaluru Development and Town Planning since 2023. He served as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president and has held several ministerial roles over three decades.

Resort raid background
Shivakumar’s political career has also been marked by controversies that have at times dogged the party. The most notable was the 2017 Income Tax raid linked to Eagleton Resort in Bengaluru, where he sheltered 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs during a crisis. Reports then said unaccounted cash was seized from premises tied to the episode; the matter later attracted legal scrutiny and allegations of political targeting. Shivakumar has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in public statements, and his supporters say those episodes stemmed from partisan attacks.

Balance of power inside Congress
The leadership change debate has resurfaced as the Siddaramaiah government crossed the two-and-a-half-year mark last November. Shivakumar’s backers argue a power-sharing understanding was part of the 2023 arrangement, while Siddaramaiah’s camp rejects any fixed deal. Some party leaders have floated a Bihar-style arrangement — a mid-term switch with Siddaramaiah moving to a national role — as a compromise to balance state and organisational interests.

Ground reaction and public impact
In Bengaluru and parts of southern Karnataka, business leaders and civic groups followed developments with interest given Shivakumar’s role in urban and infrastructure portfolios. “Any leadership change will have implications for ongoing projects and administrative continuity,” said a Bengaluru-based urban planner, requesting anonymity. Street-level reactions varied; supporters of both leaders circulated messages on social media framing the move as a necessary renewal or as a betrayal, depending on their loyalties.

Official line and next steps
Publicly, Congress leaders sought to downplay the rumour mill on Thursday. General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and other party spokespeople said discussions were routine and related to upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. “No final decision has been taken,” Venugopal told reporters. The Governor’s office did not receive a resignation letter by nightfall, and no formal change of guard was announced.

Outlook
If Siddaramaiah formally resigns, party insiders say the process to install a new chief minister could proceed swiftly given Shivakumar’s organisational clout and legislative strength. However, final endorsement from the Congress high command and a formal resignation to the Governor remain essential steps. For now, Karnataka watches as a likely transition plays out — one that could reshape state politics ahead of the next electoral cycle.