DELHI NEWS : Amid intensifying speculation about a possible leadership shift in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have reached Delhi—marking their third visit in a month. The central question stirring Karnataka’s political circles remains whether Siddaramaiah will complete his full term or eventually hand over power to Shivakumar.
Siddaramaiah is close to becoming the state’s longest-serving elected Chief Minister, nearing the tenure record of former CM Devaraj Urs, who served for 2,792 days. Yet, talk of a “power-sharing formula” within the Congress has resurfaced, adding to the growing uncertainty.
This visit also aligns with the “Participation and Justice Conference” hosted by the Congress party’s Backward Classes wing. Sources within the party hint that both leaders are likely to seek a meeting with Rahul Gandhi — a meeting that was earlier scheduled for July but never materialized.
Although the Congress leadership has called for restraint to prevent any public fallout between the two camps, political maneuvering is actively underway behind the scenes. The high command has not made any definitive statement on the leadership issue, with indications that the status quo might be maintained at least until the Bihar Assembly polls.
The Congress faces a delicate situation — Siddaramaiah is currently the only OBC Chief Minister in India, and replacing him could affect the party’s OBC support base, especially in Bihar where caste census and social justice are prominent political themes championed by Rahul Gandhi.
During their Delhi visit, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar also finalized the selection of 20 municipal presidents, with an official announcement expected soon upon their return to Bengaluru. The list reportedly includes senior MLAs who were left out of cabinet positions. Discussions are also underway regarding nominations for four vacant MLC seats.
Supporters of Siddaramaiah have reiterated his intent to complete the full term in office. Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s camp is maintaining a calculated silence, choosing instead to focus on consolidating its influence behind the scenes.
With tensions quietly brewing, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether a change in leadership is on the horizon or if Siddaramaiah will continue to steer the government until the end of the current term.