Congress High Command Summons Siddaramaiah to Delhi Amid Leadership Change Buzz in Karnataka

According to sources, Siddaramaiah received a phone call from the Congress high command during an SIR-related strategy meeting in Bengaluru and was asked to travel to Delhi on May 26.

The sudden summons has sparked fresh debate within political circles over whether the Congress leadership is planning discussions related to:

• leadership change in Karnataka
• cabinet restructuring
• Rajya Sabha ticket distribution
• organisational strategy ahead of upcoming elections

Political observers note that the Congress high command had earlier indicated it would focus on Karnataka politics after the Kerala elections, and the latest development is now being viewed as the beginning of that process.

The political atmosphere in Karnataka Congress has become increasingly charged, with supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar openly expressing hope about a possible leadership transition, while Siddaramaiah loyalists are reportedly preparing to counter such narratives through AHINDA-based political mobilisation.

Sources indicate that the primary agenda of Siddaramaiah’s Delhi visit could officially revolve around Rajya Sabha seat allocation, as Congress is expected to secure three Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to continue in the Upper House, while discussions are expected regarding the remaining two seats.

However, apart from the official agenda, intense speculation continues over whether issues related to cabinet reshuffle and leadership transition may also come up during discussions with the party high command.

There is also growing speculation that D.K. Shivakumar may soon be summoned to Delhi for separate consultations.

Soon after reports of Siddaramaiah’s Delhi visit emerged, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held a closed-door meeting with former MP D.K. Suresh at the latter’s residence.

Speaking to reporters later, Shivakumar said he had not yet been called to Delhi and claimed he was unaware of the exact purpose of Siddaramaiah’s visit.

“I have not been called yet. If I am called, I will go. I do not know why the Chief Minister is going to Delhi,” Shivakumar said.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar had attempted to downplay reports of internal differences within the Congress, stating that there was no confusion in the party and that the party always comes first before positions and power.

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala also held another round of meetings with party leaders and legislators at a hotel on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and several MLAs attended the meeting.

Before entering the venue, supporters of D.K. Shivakumar displayed posters projecting him as the “next Chief Minister”, further intensifying speculation over a possible leadership tussle within the Karnataka Congress.