Karnataka CM Shake-up: Speculation Swirls Around Leadership Change

Amid a flurry of political speculation concerning the position of Karnataka's Chief Minister, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President DK Shivakumar amassed outside his Bengaluru residence early Thursday morning. This activity coincides with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's 'breakfast meeting' with Congress leaders, where former Bengaluru Mayor R Sampath Raj was notably present.

The conjecture regarding a leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress has been mounting since the government surpassed two and a half years in office last year. Now, having completed three years, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar joined central Congress figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, in the national capital on Tuesday for discussions.

Party insiders suggest that the Congress leadership is inclined towards a change, having apparently communicated to CM Siddaramaiah the need to step aside. Speculation over DK Shivakumar's potential elevation has persisted since the government's halfway mark, with further deliberations expected before a conclusive decision is reached.

Officially, the Congress maintained the narrative that discussions centered on the forthcoming Rajya Sabha and Council elections, dismissing as 'speculation' the reports suggesting a leadership change. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal informed the media that candidates for Karnataka's Rajya Sabha seats would be announced alongside those from other states.

"Our detailed meeting today involved discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi," Venugopal stated, emphasizing that the session focused solely on upcoming electoral processes within Karnataka. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Ashok M Pattan indicated the possibility of CM Siddaramaiah resigning on Thursday, highlighting his scheduled appointment with the Governor.

Pattan, speaking to ANI, stressed that the decision regarding the new Chief Minister would rest with the High Command. "We visited the CM's residence. It's likely the CM will submit his resignation after 3 PM tomorrow; he has already made an appointment with the Governor. The High Command will decide the next CM, though it's expected to be DK Shivakumar," he remarked.

Concurrently, on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah acknowledged ongoing discussions with the Congress High Command, set to continue amid ongoing speculation over Karnataka's political leadership shift. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)