Karnataka Leadership Buzz Intensifies as Siddaramaiah Reportedly Considers Exit Amid Governor’s Absence

A major leadership change in Karnataka appears to be gathering momentum, with strong indications.

That Siddaramaiah could step down as Chief Minister amid growing speculation that the Congress high command has decided to hand over the post to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

However, uncertainty over the timing of any formal transition deepened late Wednesday night after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot reportedly left Bengaluru for Mumbai due to a family emergency. Sources said the Governor departed around 10.30 pm and no return schedule had been confirmed immediately.

Despite the Governor’s absence, sources in the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that Siddaramaiah was still expected to submit his resignation to the Governor’s office.

Earlier in the day, political circles were abuzz with reports that Siddaramaiah could resign around 11 am on Thursday following a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues, including Shivakumar, at his residence.

The fast-moving developments followed a series of high-level meetings in Delhi involving Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala.

While the Congress officially refrained from confirming any leadership change, Surjewala cautioned against speculation and maintained that no formal Congress Legislature Party meeting had been called yet.

Still, intense political activity throughout Wednesday strongly fuelled speculation that the party leadership had persuaded Siddaramaiah to make way for Shivakumar as part of an internal power-sharing understanding that has lingered since the Congress returned to power in 2023.

According to sources, Siddaramaiah may have agreed to step aside after intervention from Rahul Gandhi. The veteran leader had earlier publicly stated that he would resign if asked to do so by the Congress leadership.

Reports also suggested the high command had offered Siddaramaiah a larger organisational role at the national level along with a possible Rajya Sabha berth, although no official confirmation has emerged.

Adding to the speculation, senior Congress MLA RV Deshpande reportedly claimed that Siddaramaiah had personally informed him about his decision to resign. Deshpande said several MLAs urged the Chief Minister to reconsider, but Siddaramaiah allegedly maintained that he intended to honour the commitment made to the party leadership.

Throughout the day, ministers and legislators continued arriving at Siddaramaiah’s Bengaluru residence, with many reportedly requesting him not to step down or demanding that any decision be discussed within the Congress Legislature Party.

Publicly, however, Siddaramaiah remained cautious. When asked about his future on Wednesday, he declined to comment and said he would speak on the matter on Thursday.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also avoided discussing the Delhi meetings, stating only that those present were aware of what had transpired. He dismissed speculation around his own possible elevation and stressed that all party leaders must abide by the high command’s final decision.

Outside the Congress, the possible leadership shift triggered sharp reactions.

The Karnataka State Federation of Backward Class Communities warned the party against replacing Siddaramaiah, arguing that the Congress returned to power primarily due to support from backward classes, minorities and Dalits under the AHINDA social coalition championed by the Chief Minister.

Federation leaders claimed no other Congress leader possessed Siddaramaiah’s mass appeal and warned of protests if he was removed.

At the same time, celebrations erupted among Shivakumar supporters in Bengaluru, Ramanagara and other parts of Karnataka amid growing confidence that their leader was finally set to become Chief Minister.

Supporters gathered outside Shivakumar’s residence late Wednesday night after he returned early from Delhi, bursting crackers and raising slogans in anticipation of a leadership change.

In contrast, Siddaramaiah loyalists assembled outside the Chief Minister’s official residence and protested against reports of his possible removal.

The Chief Minister’s public appearances on Wednesday further intensified speculation.

Siddaramaiah visited Vidhana Soudha to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary and later received Karnataka’s caste census report — considered one of the flagship exercises of his government.

According to officials, emotional scenes unfolded at Vidhana Soudha as several staff members and officials greeted Siddaramaiah warmly, with many describing the atmosphere as resembling a farewell moment.

Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra mocked the Congress over the unfolding political uncertainty, claiming the party high command had concluded that Siddaramaiah’s government failed to provide effective governance during its tenure.

He also predicted that Karnataka could eventually face mid-term Assembly elections irrespective of who becomes the next Chief Minister.

The leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has remained one of Karnataka Congress’s biggest unresolved issues since the party’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. Both leaders were considered strong contenders for the top post before the Congress leadership eventually chose Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister and Shivakumar as his deputy.

Ever since, speculation over a rotational Chief Minister arrangement has persisted, though the Congress has never officially acknowledged such an agreement publicly.