Karnataka Leadership Tussle in Focus as Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar Attend Crucial Congress High Command Meeting in Delhi

New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 2026 : A high-stakes political meeting over the speculated leadership change in Karnataka is underway at Indira Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally attending discussions that have drawn intense attention within the Congress party and across political circles.

The Chief Minister’s Office released photographs showing Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar engaged in what appeared to be a detailed and serious discussion at Indira Bhavan, further intensifying speculation over a possible leadership transition in the state.

According to sources, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala are participating in the deliberations with Siddaramaiah as part of the party’s top-level consultation process.

Sources further indicated that after concluding the interaction with Siddaramaiah, the senior leadership is expected to hold a separate round of discussions with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is widely seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post.

The outcome of the meetings is being closely watched, as speculation continues over a possible reshuffle in Karnataka’s top leadership. While Shivakumar has emerged as a key aspirant for the Chief Minister’s position, Siddaramaiah has maintained that he wishes to complete his full term and has repeatedly stated that he will abide by the decision of the Congress high command.

The issue has also triggered internal discussions within the party, with ministers and legislators aligned with Siddaramaiah reportedly suggesting that if a leadership change takes place, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who belongs to the Dalit community, could be considered for the top post.

Adding to the political complexity, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge has previously acknowledged that he has been under pressure from state leaders, party workers and national figures regarding leadership-related decisions, though he has not made any public commitment regarding the Karnataka Chief Minister’s post.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar responded with a brief smile when asked by reporters in Delhi whether he would become the next Chief Minister, avoiding a direct answer and keeping speculation alive.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah arrived at Indira Bhavan after having breakfast at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, where he was joined by several senior leaders, including Ministers G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, Byrathi Suresh, K.J. George and M.B. Patil. Senior Congress leader and Haryana in-charge B.K. Hariprasad and legal advisor Ponnanna were also present.

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, speaking to reporters, acknowledged that there has been confusion within the party for the past several months but expressed confidence that the high command would resolve the matter soon.

“There has been confusion in the party for the past six months, and we are confident it will be cleared soon. We have not received any call from the high command yet,” Jarkiholi said, adding that discussions had not formally begun at the time of his interaction.

He also indicated that leaders would present their views on organisational issues, including the post of KPCC President, depending on whether the subject is taken up in the meeting.

“We will also give our opinions on the KPCC President post. If the leadership issue is settled, other issues will also get resolved automatically,” he said.

Congress MLC and senior leader B.K. Hariprasad, meanwhile, maintained that while there is no formal discussion yet on leadership change, the matter has now reached a decisive stage.

“There is no discussion on leadership change. However, everything has now reached a final stage,” he said.

As deliberations continue in Delhi, both supporters of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are awaiting a clear signal from the party high command, which is expected to play a decisive role in shaping Karnataka’s political future.

Team Maverick