The buzz around a change in leadership in Karnataka has gained momentum once again, with the arrival of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar to Delhi to meet Congress leadership. While the party insists the meeting will be routine, people familiar with the matter told HT that the high command is in favor of “devolution” in Karnataka, with alternative routes to Siddaramaiah planned.
Since the Congress party came to power in Karnataka with a huge majority in 2023, reports of a split or demands for a change in leadership within the party have often emerged, with many party legislators favoring Shivakumar for the top job.
However, new buzz suggests that Siddaramaiah may finally step aside, pursuing a strategy similar to that of Bihar. Here’s what the Congress leadership might offer the Prime Minister to leave the key role, according to people familiar with the matter:
- Rajya Sabha seat for Siddaramaiah
- Possible treasury berth for his son Yatindra
This arrangement, if implemented, would be eerily similar to what happened in Bihar a few weeks ago.
Nitish Kumar quit the post of Chief Minister of Bihar and moved to Rajya Sabha recently, where his deputy Samrat Chaudhary took office. Moreover, Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar, took charge as the new Health Minister of Bihar in Patna.
To keep Shivakumar waiting again?
Even if Siddaramaiah takes the Rajya Sabha route, his deputy DK Shivakumar may not take over as chief minister. People familiar with the matter told HT that even if the Congress can convince Siddaramaiah to take the Rajya Sabha route, it may not be willing to see Shivakumar succeed him.
In this case, the Congress may field Mallikarjun Kharge as a compromise candidate for the chief minister’s post, also paving the way for Rahul Gandhi to field KC Venugopal as the next party president and opening up the central party organization to a much-needed overhaul. “However, this is the most distant option so far,” said a commander familiar with the developments. Notably, KC Venugopal was widely seen as the chief minister’s choice in Kerala, but VD Satheeshan ended up winning the race.
As reported earlier by HT, Karg, Venugopal and state incumbent Randeep Surjewala are all in favor of ‘devolution’ in Karnataka.
To CM’s question, a smile from DKS
After his arrival in Delhi, Shivakumar was asked by the media if he would take over as chief minister. The Congress leader refused to issue any response, but smiled at reporters as he left in his car.
Read also: ‘Acting like a monkey’: BJP leader criticizes Karge over Karnataka conflict Siddaramaiah invited by Congress high command
However, people familiar with the developments also said that Siddaramaiah’s supporters are hopeful that Shivakumar will now take on the role, losing the 2028 elections to the massive anti-incumbency wave in Karnataka, and with it his leadership claims.
Why Rajya Sabha Street now?
When the Congress won the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023 and Siddaramaiah became chief minister, several reports said that an alternative power-sharing system was agreed upon, as part of which Shivakumar would take over the role of chief minister when Siddaramaiah completes half his term. However, the halving mark was reached in November 2025, but there was no change in leadership.
The breakfast meetings between the leaders at that time caused a great stir at the time, but nothing changed.
However, a new twist has now emerged for the 77-year-old Rajya Sabha chairmanship, because four seats, including the Kharg seat, will go to the polls from Karnataka in June, with the Congress confident of winning at least three seats.
