Bengaluru: Political activity in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after several Congress MLAs indicated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may soon resign, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take charge as the next Chief Minister. The speculation gained momentum after senior Congress MLA RV Deshpande reportedly stated that Siddaramaiah had “decided to resign” following internal discussions within the party. Although the Congress leadership has not officially announced any leadership change, statements from party leaders have fueled strong political buzz across the state.

Congress MLA Ashok Pattan further added to the speculation by claiming there is a “100 percent possibility” that DK Shivakumar could become the next Chief Minister if Siddaramaiah steps down. Sources within the party suggest that multiple rounds of meetings have taken place in Bengaluru and Delhi involving top Congress leaders, including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. The discussions are believed to be focused on leadership transition and maintaining unity within the state unit.

The issue of a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been a topic of discussion ever since the Congress formed the government in Karnataka after the 2023 Assembly elections. While the party never officially confirmed such an arrangement, political observers have repeatedly pointed to an understanding between the two senior leaders.

The latest developments have triggered intense reactions within political circles. Supporters of DK Shivakumar have reportedly started celebrating in some areas, anticipating a possible change in leadership. At the same time, Congress leaders are trying to control speculation and avoid any public display of internal divisions.

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has denied that any final decision has been taken regarding a change in the Chief Minister’s post. He urged party workers and the media not to rely on unofficial statements or rumours. The opposition BJP has targeted the Congress government, accusing it of being distracted by internal power struggles instead of governance. BJP leaders claimed that uncertainty over leadership is affecting administrative decisions in the state.

Siddaramaiah, one of Karnataka’s most influential political leaders, has been leading the Congress government since the party’s decisive victory in 2023. His welfare schemes and strong voter base among backward classes and minority communities have played a major role in strengthening the party in the state.

DK Shivakumar, widely seen as the Congress party’s key strategist in Karnataka, is considered one of the most powerful organizational leaders in the state. He played a crucial role in the party’s election campaign and subsequent victory. As speculation continues, all eyes are now on the Congress high command for an official announcement. Whether Siddaramaiah resigns immediately or the leadership transition is delayed, the developments are expected to have a major impact on Karnataka politics in the coming months.