All eyes are on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s official residence ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru this morning, where he is hosting a breakfast meeting with his Cabinet colleagues amid intense speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka .
The meeting, scheduled for 9 AM, comes a day after the Chief Minister told reporters, “I will speak tomorrow,” refusing to entertain pointed questions on the leadership transition . Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who was in Delhi on Wednesday, is also expected to attend the breakfast meeting .
High command pushes for change
The Congress high command has reportedly asked Siddaramaiah to step down and move to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to take over the top post . Party sources indicate that a rotational power-sharing formula agreed upon when the government was formed in 2023 is now being implemented .
AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala and party general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal are expected to arrive in Bengaluru to oversee the transition .
What to expect today
It is being speculated that Siddaramaiah may announce his decision after the breakfast meeting. There is also an indication that he might meet Governor Thawarchand Gehlot later in the day, possibly to submit his resignation .
A Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting, where the likely successor could be named or elected, is likely to be held on Friday (May 29) .
Official denial amid intense speculation
Despite the intense buzz, Congress leaders have publicly maintained caution. On Wednesday, Surjewala told the media: “Please do not speculate. I am requesting with folded hands. Currently, no meeting of the Legislature Party has been called. No other decision has yet been taken. As things evolve, we will inform you” .
K.C. Venugopal had earlier dismissed speculation following Tuesday’s Delhi meeting, stating that discussions were “concentrated only on” the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Karnataka Legislative Council elections .
BJP predicts mid-term polls
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra has asserted that the state is headed for mid-term elections regardless of who succeeds Siddaramaiah. “The Congress high command’s marathon meeting in Delhi, which culminated in a directive to Siddaramaiah to step down, was itself an admission of the government’s failure,” he claimed .
The stakes
Siddaramaiah is currently the only OBC Chief Minister among the four Congress-ruled states, and his AHINDA support base (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) makes any leadership change politically sensitive .
The Congress high command is keen to avoid a Rajasthan-like situation and is attempting to work out an amicable formula acceptable to both leaders and their respective camps .
