Karnataka Leadership Speculation Grows as Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar Breakfast Meeting Signals Unity Amid Political Buzz

Bengaluru, May 2026 : Amid growing speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held a crucial breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence “Kaveri” in Bengaluru on Thursday, drawing significant political attention across the state.

The meeting comes at a time when rumours of Siddaramaiah’s possible resignation and a potential leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress unit have been circulating widely, keeping the state’s political landscape on edge.

Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, widely seen as a strong aspirant for the Chief Minister’s post, arrived at Siddaramaiah’s residence accompanied by several cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders considered close to the Chief Minister. The presence of multiple senior leaders added further weight to the high-profile meeting.

On arrival, Shivakumar was warmly received by Siddaramaiah. In a notable gesture, Shivakumar touched the Chief Minister’s feet as a mark of respect and later embraced him. The interaction, captured in photographs released by both leaders’ offices, quickly gained political traction.

The visuals of Shivakumar seeking Siddaramaiah’s blessings have become a subject of intense discussion within political circles, especially amid ongoing speculation about a possible power shift within the state Congress leadership. Party insiders suggest that the coordinated release of these images by both camps was aimed at projecting unity and stability within the Karnataka Congress.

The breakfast meeting also saw the participation of several cabinet ministers and MLAs known to be aligned with Siddaramaiah, reinforcing the significance of the gathering as a show of internal cohesion at a time of heightened political uncertainty.

Following the meeting, Siddaramaiah is expected to address the media and clarify ongoing rumours regarding his alleged resignation and the future leadership structure in the state. Political observers are closely watching his statement, which is expected to set the tone for the next phase of developments in Karnataka politics.

Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara reacted cautiously to the developments, stating that he had not yet received detailed information about the meeting or the photographs that have gone viral. He added that any decision regarding Siddaramaiah’s position rests solely with the party high command.

When asked whether a leadership change could send a negative message to Dalits and oppressed communities, Parameshwara responded, “Let’s wait and watch,” without offering a direct comment on the speculation.

Adding to the political intrigue, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reportedly left Bengaluru, triggering further speculation over the timing of potential political developments. However, Congress sources clarified that the Governor’s absence would not impact the resignation process, if it proceeds as planned.

According to party insiders, Siddaramaiah is expected to submit his resignation around 3 p.m. on Thursday, as per the schedule communicated within party circles. Leaders indicated that the process would move ahead regardless of the Governor’s availability in the city.

Congress sources further maintained that Siddaramaiah has been advised to proceed with the formal submission of his resignation to the Governor’s office, even in his absence, and that the timeline for the political transition would remain unchanged.

At the national level, AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday dismissed reports of any formal “power-sharing” agreement within the party. He also clarified that no official decision regarding a change in Chief Minister had been taken or discussed by the party leadership.

As uncertainty continues to swirl, the breakfast meeting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar is being viewed as a crucial political signal—one that attempts to balance internal ambitions with public messaging of unity within the Karnataka Congress at a critical juncture.