Politics – Karnataka Congress Leadership Change Talks Intensify After Delhi Meetings
Politics – Senior Congress leaders in Karnataka are preparing for a possible leadership transition after a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi reportedly ended with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah agreeing to step down from his post. The discussions, held late Tuesday, focused on resolving the prolonged leadership dispute within the state unit and ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities ahead of future electoral challenges.
Discussions Continue Over Leadership Transition
According to party insiders, no official announcement has yet been made regarding Siddaramaiah’s resignation or the appointment of his successor. However, sources familiar with the discussions said the chief minister has requested time to meet Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on May 28. A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party is also expected to take place shortly afterward, signaling that important decisions may be close.
Senior Congress leaders K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala are scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru to oversee consultations with state legislators and party officials. Their visit is being viewed as part of the central leadership’s effort to maintain unity within the Karnataka Congress unit during the transition process.
Rahul Gandhi Said to Have Intervened
Party sources indicated that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi played a direct role in the negotiations between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The leadership dispute between the two senior leaders has continued for several months, largely centered around an alleged power-sharing understanding reached after the Congress victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Under the reported arrangement, both leaders were expected to share the chief minister’s post for equal durations. While the midway point of the government’s term passed last year, Siddaramaiah had not shown willingness to step aside earlier, resulting in growing pressure from Shivakumar’s supporters.
Sources said Rahul Gandhi urged the outgoing chief minister to support a peaceful leadership transition in the interest of party stability. Siddaramaiah is understood to have accepted the proposal after consulting close cabinet colleagues and loyal legislators in New Delhi.
Meetings Held Throughout the Day
Tuesday witnessed multiple rounds of meetings involving Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Venugopal and Surjewala. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were reportedly consulted separately at the party headquarters before further closed-door discussions took place later in the evening.
Insiders claimed the Congress leadership also explored the possibility of assigning Siddaramaiah a larger role at the national level, potentially through the Rajya Sabha. However, it is understood that the veteran leader requested additional time before responding to the proposal.
After nearly six hours of meetings, Siddaramaiah met several ministers and close supporters at the residence of Karnataka Energy Minister K J George in New Delhi. It was during this interaction that he is believed to have informed allies about the party leadership’s decision.
Shivakumar Emerges as Main Contender
Although D K Shivakumar remains the strongest candidate for the chief minister’s position, party leaders have not yet formally endorsed his name. Supporters of the deputy chief minister appeared optimistic after Tuesday’s developments, but the Congress high command is said to be evaluating multiple options before making a final decision.
Siddaramaiah reportedly carried letters of support from around 100 Congress MLAs to demonstrate his continued backing within the legislature party. Despite this support, the leadership appears determined to move toward a broader restructuring of the Karnataka unit ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Other Leaders Also Under Consideration
Apart from Shivakumar, a few other senior leaders are also being discussed within party circles. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Industries Minister M B Patil are among the names being considered due to their administrative experience and relatively clean public image.
Sources said the Congress leadership may choose a younger and development-focused face if it decides to completely reorganize the party structure in Karnataka. Such a move, according to insiders, would be aimed at strengthening the party’s long-term electoral prospects in the state.
Publicly, however, party leaders continued to deny any immediate leadership change. When questioned by reporters, both Siddaramaiah and Venugopal dismissed speculation regarding a new chief minister or cabinet reshuffle.