Congress may weighs 3 deputy CMs formula in Karnataka
New Delhi: Political uncertainty in Karnataka has deepened amid growing speculation over a possible leadership transition within the Congress government.
Sources indicate that the party leadership is considering appointing three Deputy Chief Ministers representing the Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and women communities as part of a broader political balancing strategy.
The development comes against the backdrop of intense discussions within the Congress over the future leadership of the state. According to sources, the party high command has reportedly asked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to make way for a change in leadership and has offered him a significant organisational role at the national level, along with a possible Rajya Sabha berth.
Sources further claimed that Siddaramaiah has not immediately agreed to the proposal, though indications suggest he may be considering stepping down after receiving a direct message from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Siddaramaiah Seeks Meeting With Governor
Amid mounting speculation, Siddaramaiah has sought an appointment with Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on May 28, according to sources in the Chief Minister’s Office.
The move has fueled speculation that the veteran Congress leader could tender his resignation on Thursday, potentially paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over as the next Chief Minister.
A senior source close to the Chief Minister confirmed that Siddaramaiah has requested time to meet the Governor, though no official agenda for the meeting has been disclosed.
Congress Calls Reports “Speculation”
The Congress, however, has publicly dismissed reports of an imminent leadership change. On Tuesday, party leaders described the discussions between the central leadership and Karnataka leaders as “mere speculation,” insisting that the meetings were focused only on the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Karnataka Legislative Council elections.
Despite the official denial, political activity within the party has intensified. Siddaramaiah is expected to host a key breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues at his official residence in Bengaluru on Thursday morning.
DK Shivakumar, who is currently in Delhi, has reportedly altered his travel plans and is now expected to return to Bengaluru on Thursday instead of Wednesday. He is also likely to attend the breakfast meeting.
High Command Holds Key Discussions
Sources said senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, have held extensive consultations with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the ongoing leadership tussle in Karnataka.
The Congress high command is expected to take a final call on any leadership reshuffle after the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled next month.
Shivakumar Camp Pressing for Transition
According to party insiders, supporters of Shivakumar have been increasing pressure on the 77-year-old Siddaramaiah to step down, citing an alleged power-sharing understanding reached after the Congress victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Leaders close to Shivakumar maintain that there was an informal agreement under which Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister for the first two-and-a-half years, after which Shivakumar would take over for the remainder of the term.
While the Congress leadership has not officially acknowledged any such arrangement, the issue has continued to trigger political speculation and internal lobbying within the party.
