Will Siddaramaiah Resign, Move to Rajya Sabha or Continue in Karnataka Politics? Congress Power Transition Speculation Intensifies
Bengaluru, May 27: Speculation over Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political future intensified on Wednesday amid growing discussions within Congress circles over a possible leadership transition in the state.
While Siddaramaiah has so far not directly confirmed whether he will resign, shift to national politics through the Rajya Sabha, or continue playing an active role in Karnataka politics, political developments over the past 24 hours have significantly fuelled the debate.
Speaking briefly to reporters after returning from Delhi, the Chief Minister avoided making any detailed comments regarding discussions with the Congress high command and said he would respond to all questions on Thursday.
When repeatedly asked about possible leadership decisions and discussions with the party leadership, Siddaramaiah maintained silence and stated only that he would “speak tomorrow”.
The Chief Minister is scheduled to host a breakfast meeting for ministers and legislators at his official residence ‘Kaveri’ on Thursday morning, a development that has triggered intense political speculation in Bengaluru.
According to political sources, Siddaramaiah held multiple rounds of discussions in Delhi with senior Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi after marathon consultations regarding Karnataka’s political future.
Sources within the party indicate that discussions reportedly included possibilities ranging from leadership transition in Karnataka to a potential role for Siddaramaiah in national politics.
However, insiders suggest that Siddaramaiah is believed to have expressed greater interest in continuing to remain active in Karnataka politics rather than shifting fully to Delhi through the Rajya Sabha route.
Political observers note that even if Siddaramaiah steps down as Chief Minister, the veteran Congress leader is expected to continue playing a major role in shaping the party’s strategy in Karnataka, particularly ahead of upcoming elections.
Congress circles are also discussing the possibility of Siddaramaiah taking on the role of a senior political mentor and AHINDA strategist within the state while continuing to influence organisational and electoral decisions.
At the same time, there is speculation that the Congress high command may still attempt to persuade Siddaramaiah to take up a larger national responsibility if required by the party leadership.
Meanwhile, discussions over Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar potentially emerging as the next Chief Minister have continued to gain momentum, although no official announcement has been made so far.
Congress leaders are understood to be working towards ensuring that any possible transition of power takes place smoothly and without internal confrontation.
Party insiders say the Congress Legislature Party meeting and subsequent consultations with the high command could play a decisive role in the coming days.
With the political suspense deepening, all eyes are now on Thursday’s developments and Siddaramaiah’s expected statement regarding his political future and the next course of action for the Karnataka Congress.
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