Karnataka Leadership Buzz Intensifies as Siddaramaiah Reportedly Considers Exit Amid Governor’s Absence

Political uncertainty deepened in Karnataka on Wednesday night as strong indications emerged that Siddaramaiah could step down.

As Chief Minister, potentially paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post. However, the unfolding leadership transition hit an unexpected complication after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot reportedly left Bengaluru for Mumbai due to a family emergency, creating uncertainty over the timing of any formal resignation.

According to sources, the Governor departed late Wednesday night and had not confirmed a return schedule. Despite his absence, officials in the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that Siddaramaiah was still expected to submit his resignation to the Governor’s office.

The dramatic political developments followed a series of crucial meetings in Delhi involving Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Although the Congress leadership maintained public silence over the issue, political activity through the day strongly suggested that the high command may have finally moved toward implementing a leadership change that has been the subject of speculation since the party returned to power in 2023.

Sources claimed Siddaramaiah may have agreed to step aside after direct intervention from Rahul Gandhi. The veteran Congress leader had previously stated publicly that he would resign if the party leadership asked him to do so.

Reports also suggested that the Congress leadership may have offered Siddaramaiah a larger organisational role at the national level along with a possible Rajya Sabha berth, though no official announcement has been made.

Senior Congress MLA RV Deshpande further fuelled speculation by reportedly claiming that Siddaramaiah had personally informed him about his decision to resign. According to Deshpande, several MLAs appealed to Siddaramaiah not to step down, but the Chief Minister allegedly insisted that he intended to honour the commitment he had made to the party leadership.

Throughout Wednesday, ministers and Congress legislators continued visiting Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru, with many reportedly urging him to reconsider or demanding that the issue first be discussed in a Congress Legislature Party meeting.

Despite the intense speculation, Siddaramaiah remained guarded in his public remarks. When questioned about his future earlier in the day, he declined to comment and said he would speak on the matter on Thursday.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also refused to reveal details of the Delhi discussions, saying only that those present knew what had transpired. He dismissed rumours surrounding his own possible elevation and reiterated that all leaders must respect the party high command’s decision.

Outside the Congress, the possible leadership transition triggered both celebration and resistance.

Supporters of Shivakumar gathered near his residence in Bengaluru and parts of Ramanagara late Wednesday night after reports emerged that he could soon become Karnataka’s next Chief Minister. Party workers celebrated with slogans and fireworks after Shivakumar returned early from Delhi.

At the same time, loyalists of Siddaramaiah assembled outside the Chief Minister’s official residence, protesting against reports of his possible removal and demanding that he continue in office.

The Karnataka State Federation of Backward Class Communities also warned the Congress against replacing Siddaramaiah, arguing that the party had returned to power largely because of support from backward classes, minorities and Dalits under his AHINDA social coalition.

Federation leaders claimed Siddaramaiah remained the Congress’s strongest mass leader in Karnataka and threatened protests if he was forced out.

Adding to the emotional atmosphere, Siddaramaiah’s appearances at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday were viewed by many as symbolic. The Chief Minister paid tribute to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary and later received the state’s caste census report, considered one of the flagship initiatives of his government.

Officials said several staff members and supporters greeted Siddaramaiah emotionally during the visit, with many describing the mood as resembling a farewell moment.

Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra criticised the Congress over the unfolding crisis, claiming the party leadership had effectively admitted failure by considering a leadership change midway through the government’s tenure.

The Congress power struggle has simmered ever since the party’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, when both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were seen as strong contenders for the Chief Minister’s post.

While Siddaramaiah eventually took charge as Chief Minister, speculation over a rotational power-sharing formula involving Shivakumar has continued ever since — even though the Congress has never officially acknowledged such an arrangement.