Siddaramaiah tipped for Rajya Sabha shift, but DK Shivakumar’s path to Karnataka CM remains uncertain

Fresh speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka has resurfaced as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi for meetings with the Congress leadership. While the party has described the meetings as routine, people familiar with the matter say discussions around a possible transition of power have intensified.

According to sources, the Congress high command is exploring options that could see Siddaramaiah move into a different role, potentially through a Rajya Sabha route, while considering a broader political arrangement within the state.

Among the possibilities being discussed are a Rajya Sabha berth for Siddaramaiah and a potential cabinet role for his son Yathindra. Sources suggest the party is weighing multiple scenarios as it attempts to balance competing interests within the Karnataka unit.

However, even if Siddaramaiah steps aside, Shivakumar’s path to the chief minister’s post may not be straightforward. People familiar with internal discussions claim Siddaramaiah may not favour Shivakumar as his successor, opening the door to other possibilities, including alternative consensus candidates, though such options are considered less likely at this stage.

Leadership questions have persisted within the Karnataka Congress since the party’s 2023 Assembly victory, with reports of an informal power-sharing understanding under which Shivakumar would assume the top post midway through the government’s term. Although that timeline passed without a transition, speculation has continued.

The latest round of discussions has gained momentum ahead of upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka, where Congress is expected to be in a strong position. Party leaders, however, have not made any official announcement on a leadership change.