Karnataka Leadership Shift: Siddaramaiah Expected to Step Down for Shivakumar

Amid rising speculations of a leadership transition in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, the state's Chief Minister, is expected to resign to make way for his deputy, DK Shivakumar. This potential change aligns with a pre-established 'rotational formula' designed to ensure leadership balance within the Congress party.

Siddaramaiah is set to host a breakfast for his cabinet members on Thursday, which may coincide with his resignation announcement. Recent extensive discussions in Delhi involving the party's central leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have fueled speculation about this likely transition.

The potential shift in leadership comes after the government reached the midway point of its term on November 20, 2023. The 'rotational chief minister formula' reportedly allocates the chief ministerial role to Shivakumar after two and a half years, although this has not been officially confirmed.

Shivakumar, currently in Delhi, plans to return to Karnataka on Thursday, potentially to attend the breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah's official residence. The high-stakes political dynamics have been a subject of intense debate within the region as the Congress seeks to stabilize its leadership ahead of Rajya Sabha and state council elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)