Satish Jarkiholi

D.K. Shivakumar's bid for the Chief Minister post gained traction after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra intervened, persuading Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. Siddaramaiah reportedly conveyed his decision to resign, though he is hesitant about a national role. A press conference is expected before his resignation, with Shivakumar attending a breakfast meeting.

Activists call for preserving structure as minister assures project at same site

Karnataka Congress leaders met in Delhi amid intense speculation about a cabinet reshuffle and a potential change in chief ministership. Ministers close to CM Siddaramaiah expressed anxiety, while aspirants hoped for new opportunities. The party high command faces a delicate balancing act to resolve leadership and ministerial berth demands, impacting political careers.

The Congress high command is reportedly seeking a compromise to avoid a Rajasthan-like political crisis in Karnataka by potentially replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. The party aims to manage competing power centers and caste equations carefully to prevent factional instability and protect its electoral prospects in 2028.

Replacing Siddaramaiah with DK Shivakumar as Karnataka CM could challenge Congress's core Ahinda support base. Siddaramaiah's strong connect with minorities, backward classes, and Dalits is crucial for the party's social arithmetic. Shivakumar, while a strong organizer, lacks Siddaramaiah's deep emotional and social reach, potentially alienating key voter segments ahead of the 2028 elections.