Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar traveled to New Delhi last week to meet with the Congress high command [1].
The visit comes amid an intensifying internal power struggle within the state's Congress party. The outcome of these meetings could determine whether the state sees a cabinet reshuffle or a complete change in leadership.
The delegation left Bengaluru for the capital on Thursday, May 20, 2026 [2]. While reports vary on the full composition of the group, some sources indicate that State Home Minister G Parameshwara also accompanied the leaders on a special flight [3].
Speculation regarding the chief minister's post has grown as some party members call for Siddaramaiah to step down [2]. This tension is highlighted by the fact that Siddaramaiah has now completed two and a half years in office [2].
Supporters of DK Shivakumar have reportedly pushed for a rotational leadership arrangement to manage the factional divide within the party [1]. The high command's decision is expected to address these internal grievances to maintain party stability ahead of future electoral cycles.
When asked about the potential for a leadership change, DK Shivakumar did not provide a definitive answer. "Time, muhurta will answer," Shivakumar said [1].
While some reports suggest a leadership change is imminent, others indicate that clarity on the chief minister's position may take a few days to materialize [3]. The meetings in New Delhi are intended to resolve these disputes through direct mediation by party leadership [1].
“"Time, muhurta will answer."”
This leadership crisis reflects a recurring tension within the Karnataka Congress between the established leadership of Siddaramaiah and the ambitions of DK Shivakumar. A decision to rotate the chief minister's post would be a strategic move by the Congress high command to appease different factions and prevent further internal fracturing that could weaken the party's hold on the state government.
