There is a Karnataka Congress crisis on with Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to leave New Delhi at 8:30 pm, reach Bengaluru by 11:00 pm., where it is rumoured he is expected to resign. The Chief Minister is yet to be convinced about a Rajya Sabha nomination. He is currently in a huddle with close ministers. DK Shivakumar is likely to be the new Chief Minister, say sources.
All this kickstarted on May 26, 2026 afternoon where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar were in Delhi today for crucial meetings with the Congress high command, including Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala.
The leaders held marathon discussions (including one-on-one talks) at the AICC headquarters (Indira Bhavan). Siddaramaiah also met loyalists for breakfast earlier.
OThe meetings focused on Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council (MLC) elections, organisational strategy, and upcoming polls. High command sources (including Surjewala and Venugopal) have downplayed leadership change rumours as speculation.
There is buzz around leadership change where some sources claim Siddaramaiah was asked to consider moving to Rajya Sabha (possibly as Leader of Opposition), with DK Shivakumar potentially taking over as CM. Other reports suggest Siddaramaiah is resisting or seeking time.
Status quo appears likely for now, with the high command favouring stability ahead of 2028 Assembly elections. Siddaramaiah reportedly met aides after meetings, indicating continuity.
The power tussle between Siddaramaiah (strong OBC/AHINDA base) and Shivakumar (Vokkaliga leader who played a key role in 2023 victory) has simmered for years. It intensified after three years in power, poor-ish Lok Sabha performance in some areas, and demands for better representation. Rahul Gandhi has been involved in earlier discussions to balance the equation.
No final decision has been announced publicly yet. The situation remains fluid and one would expect clarity in the next 24–48 hours on reshuffle, RS nominations, or any leadership shift. This is a classic Congress high-command balancing act.
