D.K. Shivakumar,who is current Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President,is expected to become new Chief Minister,replacing Siddaramaiah.
Honestly,this is not some simple chair change ah. This comes after long leadership fight inside Congress,which reportedly became more intense over past six months . Party high command seems to be moving carefully because Siddaramaiah is not small leader,especially with AHINDA vote bank,which includes minorities,backward classes,and Dalits.
In recent days,senior Dalit ministers like G. Parameshwara and K.H. Muniyappa have publicly said they will follow high command's decision . Muniyappa,who is seasoned politician and seven-time Lok Sabha MP,has also said he would not insist on Dalit Chief Minister if leadership change goes ahead.
Few things standing out clearly here:
- D.K. Shivakumar expected to replace Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.
- G. Parameshwara and K.H. Muniyappa have backed high command's decision .
- Congress is keeping AHINDA vote bank and 2028 elections in mind.
Reports are saying Siddaramaiah may submit resignation to Governor after breakfast meeting scheduled for Thursday . He is also expected to speak to media and confirm leadership change . Meanwhile,celebrations have already started at Shivakumar's residence,with supporters clearly feeling this is his moment.
And tbh,statements from R.V. Deshpande have made speculation even stronger . He said Siddaramaiah had already committed to resigning as per high command's wishes,which basically means party line is being set from top only.
Congress insiders say Siddaramaiah had earlier suggested Cabinet reshuffle and new KPCC president during his Delhi visit . But talks with Rahul Gandhi,Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha,reportedly focused on smooth transition without more bargaining.
Party leadership is also trying to show unity between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar before their joint media address . At same time,Congress is thinking about wider social representation by appointing Deputy Chief Ministers from different communities,including Lingayats and minorities.
But problem is not over just because CM face changes . Siddaramaiah still has strong vote pull,but concerns around his age and health seem to be pushing party towards new direction . BJP-JD(S) alliance possibly consolidating Lingayat and Vokkaliga votes is also big pressure point for Congress before 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.
And this is where whole thing feels delicate . Shivakumar may help Congress fight anti-incumbency and hold AHINDA base,but rivalry between both camps has not magically disappeared . If that tension keeps running under surface,how stable will government really be after this change…
