The Congress high command is reportedly asking Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign to allow Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take office.
This potential transition marks a critical shift in the state's political landscape. The move aims to resolve a leadership tussle that has persisted since November of last year [3], potentially stabilizing the party's internal structure before future electoral challenges.
Following a crucial meeting in Delhi, an unnamed Congress source said Siddaramaiah was asked to resign as chief minister [1]. The party's decision is intended to position Shivakumar as the next leader of the state government [1].
Siddaramaiah has not confirmed a direct request to step down but acknowledged the party's authority. "The decision rests with the party's high command," Siddaramaiah said [3].
Shivakumar also signaled his readiness to accept the party's direction. "Decisions on Karnataka's leadership will be taken by the Congress party high command and we will accept the outcome whenever it is communicated," Shivakumar said [2].
The tension between the two leaders has been a recurring theme in state politics. One Karnataka MLA previously suggested May 15 as a potential date for the leadership change [3] — a date that coincides with Shivakumar's birthday [3].
While reports of a resignation request have surfaced, the party's official stance remains focused on the high command's ultimate discretion. Both the chief minister and deputy chief minister have publicly committed to following the final decision communicated by the party leadership [2, 3].
“"The decision rests with the party's high command."”
The reported pressure on Siddaramaiah to resign suggests that the Congress party is prioritizing a consolidated leadership under DK Shivakumar to end months of internal friction. By centralizing authority in the high command's decision, the party seeks to prevent a public fracture that could weaken its governance in Karnataka.
