Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Announces Decision to Step Down at Bengaluru Meeting; Backs DK Shivakumar

Political uncertainty intensified in Karnataka on Thursday after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly informed senior cabinet colleagues that he was preparing to step down, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to assume the state's top post.

Siddaramaiah Signals Exit After High-Stakes Bengaluru Meeting Amid CM Change Speculation

The development came during a closely watched breakfast meeting hosted by Siddaramaiah at his official Bengaluru residence, where several ministers and senior Congress leaders gathered amid growing speculation over a leadership transition in the state. Tight security arrangements around the venue further fuelled buzz that a major political announcement was imminent.

According to leaders aware of the discussions, Siddaramaiah told ministers that the Congress high command had finalised its decision on the leadership issue after extensive consultations in Delhi. The veteran leader is understood to have conveyed his willingness to comply with the party's direction and make way for Shivakumar.

DK Shivakumar, Next Karnataka Chief Minister?

During the meeting, Siddaramaiah reportedly informed colleagues that the central leadership had proposed D K Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister. He is also said to have expressed support for the transition, signalling that the prolonged power-sharing debate within the Karnataka Congress may finally be nearing closure.

The expected reshuffle follows weeks of intense political negotiations involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held multiple rounds of discussions with the central leadership in Delhi, including separate one-on-one meetings as well as joint consultations.

Is Congress Finally Enforcing the 2.5-Year CM Deal in Karnataka?

While Congress leaders publicly denied reports of an imminent leadership change in recent weeks, internal discussions reportedly revolved around the implementation of the informal 2.5-year power-sharing arrangement believed to have been worked out when the Congress formed the government in Karnataka.

Sources indicated that Siddaramaiah had initially shown reluctance to vacate the Chief Minister's chair before completing a longer tenure. However, the situation is believed to have shifted after direct communication from Rahul Gandhi, whose opinion Siddaramaiah had publicly said he would respect on the matter.

Party insiders said Siddaramaiah is expected to formally submit his resignation later in the day, following which the Congress leadership may initiate the process of electing a new legislature party leader. A press briefing is also anticipated after the resignation formalities are completed.

Siddaramaiah Said No to Rajya Sabha Offer, Chooses Karnataka Politics Instead

Reports further suggested that the Congress leadership explored accommodating Siddaramaiah in the Rajya Sabha as part of the transition plan. However, the senior leader is understood to have declined the proposal, preferring to remain active in Karnataka politics as an MLA.

If the transition goes ahead as expected, D K Shivakumar will take charge at a politically sensitive time for the Congress, with the party keen to preserve unity in one of the few major states it currently governs independently. The leadership change is also likely to be closely watched nationally, as it may influence the Congress party's broader political strategy ahead of future electoral battles.

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