Siddaramaiah May Step Down as Karnataka CM, Says Senior Congress Leader R.V. Deshpande

Bengaluru, May 2026 : In a major political development amid growing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, senior Congress leader and nine-time MLA R.V. Deshpande on Wednesday indicated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has decided to step down from office in order to honour a commitment allegedly made to the Congress high command.

The statement by Deshpande has intensified political buzz in the state and triggered fresh discussions over the possibility of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar taking over the top post.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru, Deshpande claimed that the Chief Minister had already conveyed his decision to party legislators and was preparing to resign soon.

“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already decided to tender his resignation. I think he may resign tomorrow. He told the MLAs to remain calm and continue. Siddaramaiah said that he had given his word to the high command and that he must honour that commitment,” Deshpande said.

The veteran Congress leader further revealed that he had personally advised Siddaramaiah to continue as Chief Minister, considering his experience and mass appeal, but the latter remained firm about honouring the assurance reportedly given to the party leadership.

“I expressed my opinion that he should continue as Chief Minister. However, he told me that he had already committed himself to the high command and would have to stand by that promise,” Deshpande stated.

The political atmosphere in Karnataka remained charged throughout the day as leaders from different factions within the Congress weighed in on the developments. Adding to the speculation, Rambhapuri seer Jagadguru Prasanna Renuka Veera Someshwara Shivacharya made remarks suggesting that Shivakumar’s elevation could soon become a reality.

“When we visited Ramanagara district and D.K. Shivakumar came there, we had predicted that he would become Chief Minister. It now appears that our words are coming true,” the seer said.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty, Congress ministers and legislators belonging to the Muslim community reportedly held a separate meeting under the leadership of Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan to discuss the evolving political situation and possible implications of a leadership transition.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru from Delhi along with Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and other senior party leaders, further fuelling speculation that crucial discussions were underway.

Speaking to reporters after his arrival, Jarkiholi admitted that confusion existed within the party ranks but expressed confidence that the Congress high command would resolve the issue soon.

“There is confusion within the party, and the high command will resolve it. After the breakfast meeting tomorrow, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself will speak about the issue and share all details regarding the discussions. Until then, I will not be able to make any comments,” Jarkiholi said.

Sources within the Congress indicated that several ministers and leaders close to Siddaramaiah have advised him against resigning immediately and instead urged him to seek a vote of confidence within the Congress Legislature Party to demonstrate his support among MLAs.

However, despite mounting speculation and multiple political statements from senior leaders, the Congress high command has not made any official announcement regarding a leadership change in Karnataka.

The developments have triggered intense political activity in the state, with both supporters of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar closely watching the next moves of the Congress leadership. All eyes are now on Thursday’s proposed meeting and Siddaramaiah’s expected statement, which could determine the future political direction of Karnataka.