Karnataka Leadership Buzz Grows as Siddaramaiah Says He Will Clarify Delhi Talks Today

Bengaluru, May 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday indicated that he would clarify the political developments surrounding his recent visit to New Delhi and meetings with the Congress high command, amid mounting speculation over a possible leadership change in the state.

Speaking to reporters after attending a programme commemorating the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Siddaramaiah remained guarded when questioned about discussions held in Delhi regarding his continuation as Chief Minister.

When reporters repeatedly sought clarity on the leadership issue, Siddaramaiah briefly responded, “I will speak later,” before adding, “I will speak about everything tomorrow.”

His remarks came against the backdrop of intense political speculation in Karnataka, where rumours of a possible power transition between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar have once again gained momentum.

At the event, Siddaramaiah paid rich tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru and highlighted his role in shaping modern India after Independence.

“Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India after Independence and served the nation for 17 years. His contribution to nation-building and the development of modern India was immense,” Siddaramaiah said.

Even as the Chief Minister maintained silence on the political uncertainty, several Congress leaders and BJP functionaries continued to fuel the debate with conflicting statements.

Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K. H. Muniyappa described Siddaramaiah as a “mass leader” and suggested that clarity on the leadership issue would emerge after a breakfast meeting convened by the Chief Minister on Thursday.

“Siddaramaiah is a mass leader and everyone acknowledges that. He has called a breakfast meeting tomorrow, and all confusion regarding the leadership issue will become clear after that,” Muniyappa told reporters.

When asked whether he would demand the Chief Minister’s post for a Dalit leader if a change in leadership takes place, Muniyappa avoided taking a confrontational stand and said he would abide by the Congress high command’s decision.

“I am a disciplined soldier of the party and will follow whatever decision the high command takes,” he stated.

Muniyappa is among the senior-most Dalit leaders in the Karnataka Congress and has occasionally been mentioned in internal political discussions regarding future leadership equations.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Magadi, H. C. Balakrishna, openly reiterated his support for D.K. Shivakumar becoming the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

“I have already demanded the Chief Minister’s post for Shivakumar and I continue to stand by my statement. Without the blessings of Siddaramaiah and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, nobody can become Chief Minister. I will continue to support Shivakumar,” Balakrishna said.

Adding further fuel to the speculation, Congress MLA H. D. Thammaiah claimed in Chikkamagaluru that Siddaramaiah had reportedly sought an appointment with the Governor on Thursday, triggering rumours of a possible resignation.

The opposition BJP also intensified its attack on the Congress government over the unfolding developments.

Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy mocked the Congress leadership tussle and claimed that Shivakumar’s elevation was now inevitable.

“At last, the elephant has delivered. After all the pressure and demands, Shivakumar will become Chief Minister. Nothing will change for Karnataka except a change of faces. In 2028, the BJP will return to power,” Narayanaswamy said.

Karnataka BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra also attacked the Congress high command, alleging that the party leadership had effectively acknowledged the failure of the Siddaramaiah government.

“After marathon meetings in Delhi, the Congress high command has decided to seek Siddaramaiah’s resignation. The Congress is collapsing across the country, and Karnataka is heading in the same direction,” Vijayendra claimed.

He further alleged that Siddaramaiah could resign within the next one or two days and criticised the government over the state’s financial condition.

“Siddaramaiah, despite being considered an experienced leader, has pushed Karnataka into massive debt by borrowing nearly Rs 10 lakh crore,” he alleged.

Despite growing political chatter, the Congress high command has so far not issued any official statement regarding a leadership transition in Karnataka. Party insiders say discussions are ongoing, but no final decision has been formally communicated.

With Siddaramaiah now expected to address the issue publicly on Thursday, political circles in Karnataka remain on edge over whether the state is heading towards a major change in leadership or merely another round of speculation within the ruling Congress.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)