Bengaluru, July 6: The Congress party has included Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a key member of the newly formed AICC National OBC Advisory Committee, sparking renewed political speculation within the state unit. The announcement, while not naming him as the head, has intensified discussions around a possible leadership change, especially amid Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s visible ambitions for the top post.
The new 24-member national panel, aimed at strengthening the Congress party’s connect with the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), will hold its first meeting on July 15 in Bengaluru. The move, sources say, is part of the party’s broader strategy to consolidate the OBC vote bank, which forms a significant portion of India’s population.
Apart from Siddaramaiah, the panel includes veteran Congress leaders such as B.K. Hariprasad and former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily. The committee will advise the party on issues affecting OBC communities, including caste census, reservation, and development initiatives, while also helping shape future electoral narratives.
Congress sources say the initiative has the backing of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who have previously emphasized OBC representation within the party structure during CWC meetings.
However, BJP leaders were quick to interpret Siddaramaiah’s new role as a sign that he may soon be relieved of his Chief Ministerial responsibilities. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka tweeted that this appears to be a signal of the CM’s “impending retirement,” while BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, former CM Basavaraj Bommai, and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi suggested that Siddaramaiah’s transfer to Delhi is already in motion.
“There’s already an order from the Congress high command. It’s only a matter of time before DK Shivakumar replaces Siddaramaiah,” a BJP leader said, claiming that the Congress central leadership is finalizing the transition.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah, when asked about the appointment, said he had only seen media reports and had not been officially informed. “They told me to hold an OBC leaders’ meeting in Bengaluru on July 15. That’s what I’ve organized,” he clarified.
Responding to speculation about his exit, he added: “I don’t know anything yet. Let them speak to me. I’ll respond once there’s clarity.”
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara rejected the idea that the appointment indicated a shift to national politics. “Siddaramaiah has a long-standing track record of working for OBC welfare. His experience is why he was chosen for this role,” he said.
Congress insiders suggest the advisory panel could play a key role in shaping the party’s OBC-focused agenda, including advocacy for increased reservation, and that Siddaramaiah’s stature as a national OBC leader makes him well-suited to guide the campaign.
Still, the development has intensified tensions within the Karnataka Congress, with many interpreting it as the beginning of a succession plan.
As the July 15 meeting nears, all eyes remain on whether the Congress high command will issue further signals regarding leadership transition in Karnataka.
