Political activity in Karnataka has picked up pace amid growing buzz over a possible change in leadership, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s breakfast meeting in Bengaluru drawing statewide attention.
The Congress leadership has not made any official announcement so far, but a series of meetings involving top party leaders has triggered fresh discussions over a potential power shift in the state.
High-stakes meeting at CM residence
Reportedly, Siddaramaiah has invited cabinet ministers and Congress MLAs for a breakfast meeting at his official residence ‘Kaveri’ at 9 AM on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is also expected to attend the gathering, which is now being viewed as crucial for the party’s next move.
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Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a breakfast meeting, in Bengaluru /ANI The suspense grew after both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar travelled to New Delhi earlier this week and held discussions with the Congress high command.
As per a News 18 report, sources said that Siddaramaiah may submit his resignation to the Governor later in the day, possibly opening the door for Shivakumar to take charge as Karnataka’s next Chief Minister. Reports have also suggested that Siddaramaiah could move to the Rajya Sabha as part of the party’s broader strategy ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
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Surjewala meets Siddaramaiah
On Wednesday, AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala met Siddaramaiah at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Bengaluru. The meeting reportedly lasted close to an hour.
Before returning to Bengaluru, DK Shivakumar also met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi, adding to the growing political chatter.
(Representational Image) Siddaramaiah meets Randeep Singh Surjewala /ANI Resignation speculation gains momentum
Congress Chief Whip Ashok Pattan added fuel to the speculation by hinting at a possible resignation later on Thursday.
“I think that the Chief Minister might resign after 3:00 PM on Thursday. We have not been formally intimated about a CLP (Congress Legislature Party) meeting yet, but all these developments have happened quite unexpectedly," News 18 quoted Pattan as saying.
Meanwhile, sources claimed Rahul Gandhi has pushed for a cabinet reshuffle that gives greater representation to youth leaders, Dalits, OBCs and new faces. The leadership is also believed to be considering the removal of underperforming ministers.
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‘High Command will decide’
State Minister Priyank Kharge reiterated that the final decision rests with the party leadership.
“High command will decide. Surjewala ji is here, and whatever he says is what the High Command intends. It does not matter what anybody else has to say," Kharge stated.
The Chief Minister’s legal advisor, AS Ponnanna, also acknowledged that changes may be on the horizon.
“There are some changes on the cards. We cannot deny it or shut our eyes to that. But as to what exactly transpires and the true nature of the change, we will have to wait and watch," he said.
Surjewala, however, urged restraint amid the growing frenzy.
“I fold my hands and request everyone… please do not speculate. I want to assure the people of Karnataka that any decision taken will be in the best interest of the state and fair to the individuals involved. Currently, no formal CLP meeting has been called," he said.
Karnataka minister Satish Jarkiholi summed up the mood within the party, saying, “We will have to wait for the breakfast meeting on Thursday to know everything."
