The Congress party has asked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to decide within days if he will accept a Rajya Sabha seat [1].
This decision is critical because it signals a potential shift in the state's top leadership. A transition would allow Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to ascend to the chief minister's post, aligning the party's strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls [1, 2].
Siddaramaiah discussed the offer in a one-on-one meeting with Rahul Gandhi [1]. The party said it is pushing for a prompt response because nominations for the Rajya Sabha close on June 8, 2026 [1].
Reports suggest that the offer of a Rajya Sabha berth and a central role within the party are intended to facilitate a smooth handover of power [2]. Some reports indicate that Siddaramaiah may resign from his current position as chief minister around May 28, 2026 [3].
The internal movement is designed to resolve a long-standing tussle for the chief minister's post between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar [2]. By moving Siddaramaiah to the upper house of Parliament, the party aims to maintain stability while refreshing the state's executive leadership, a move intended to strengthen the party's footprint ahead of future electoral cycles [1, 2].
Party leadership has not officially confirmed the resignation date, but the timeline remains tied to the upcoming nomination deadline [1].
“Congress asked Siddaramaiah to decide within days whether to take up a Rajya Sabha seat”
The potential transition from Siddaramaiah to DK Shivakumar represents a strategic recalibration by the Congress party to balance internal factional rivalries. By elevating Shivakumar now, the party seeks to establish a stable leadership structure well in advance of the 2028 state elections, while simultaneously utilizing the Rajya Sabha to keep Siddaramaiah in a position of national influence.
