News Desk: A major political reshuffle appears to be unfolding in Karnataka, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly preparing to vacate the top post amid growing indications that Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar could soon take over the reins of the Congress government.
The development follows a series of high-level meetings between Karnataka Congress leaders and the party’s central leadership in New Delhi, where discussions reportedly focused on resolving the long-running leadership equation between the state’s two most powerful figures.
🔴#NewsAlert | Curtains on Karnataka ‘game of thrones’ : Siddaramaiah to step down as Chief Minister, announces his resignation at breakfast meeting with DK Shivakumar
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 28, 2026
Crucial Meeting in Bengaluru
Political circles in Bengaluru were abuzz on Thursday after Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held a private breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence. Sources familiar with the discussions claim the meeting helped clear the path for a leadership transition that had been under negotiation for months.
Though neither leader made a public statement after the meeting, insiders described the talks as “decisive” and said the Congress leadership wanted to ensure a smooth transfer of power without triggering factional unrest within the party.
Delhi Formula Said to Include Political Rehabilitation
According to reports, the Congress high command has worked out a broader political arrangement to accommodate Siddaramaiah after his exit from the Chief Minister’s office.
The veteran leader is believed to have been offered a larger role at the national level, including the possibility of a Rajya Sabha nomination, while discussions are also underway regarding a ministerial berth for his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah in the Karnataka cabinet.
The party, however, has maintained silence over the reported arrangement, refusing to officially acknowledge any leadership-sharing formula.
“CM Siddaramaiah will be resigning today at 3 pm.
He hinted at DK Shivakumar becoming new Chief Minister.”
– Karnataka Minister HK Patil pic.twitter.com/xyniiwKxH9
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) May 28, 2026
Old Power Pact Returns to Spotlight
The latest developments have once again revived speculation over the informal rotational leadership understanding that surfaced after the Congress swept the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
At the time, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had emerged as strong contenders for the Chief Minister’s chair, forcing the Congress high command into prolonged negotiations before Siddaramaiah was eventually chosen to lead the government.
Shivakumar, widely credited for rebuilding the party organisation in Karnataka ahead of the polls, was appointed Deputy Chief Minister — a compromise that fuelled rumours of a future transition midway through the government’s term.
Although Congress leaders repeatedly denied any formal power-sharing agreement, political observers have long viewed the arrangement as a temporary balancing act between the two camps.
Congress Eyes Stability Before Key Elections
The reported transition comes at a politically sensitive time for the Congress, which is attempting to consolidate its governance record in Karnataka while preparing for future national and state elections.
Siddaramaiah’s welfare-focused governance model and his strong AHINDA support base have remained central to the party’s strategy in the state. At the same time, Shivakumar is seen as a powerful organisational leader with significant influence among party workers and Vokkaliga voters.
Party insiders believe the leadership shift, if executed smoothly, could help the Congress avoid internal friction and project unity ahead of upcoming political battles.
An official announcement from the Congress leadership is expected in the coming days.
