Amid intense political discussions within the Congress over a possible leadership transition in Karnataka, the party is reportedly considering the appointment of multiple Deputy Chief Ministers representing key social and political communities in the state. Sources indicate that the Congress high command is exploring a power-sharing formula that could include Deputy CMs from the Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Lingayat and minority communities, along with enhanced representation for women.
According to party insiders, the oath-taking ceremony for a new Chief Minister is likely to be held on May 30, signalling that major political developments may unfold in Bengaluru in the coming days.
As discussions intensify, several senior Congress leaders are being considered for the proposed Deputy Chief Minister positions.
For the Dalit representation slot, senior leaders G Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge are among the frontrunners. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is reportedly being considered for an OBC quota position.
Among Lingayat leaders, MB Patil and Eshwar Khandre are seen as strong contenders, while names such as KJ George, UT Khader and BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan are being discussed for minority representation.
The move is being viewed as an attempt by the Congress leadership to maintain caste and regional balance while managing internal power equations within the Karnataka unit.
The developments come amid mounting speculation that the Congress high command has asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to pave the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post.
Reports suggest that the party leadership has offered Siddaramaiah a larger organisational role at the national level along with a Rajya Sabha berth. However, sources indicate that the veteran leader has not immediately accepted the proposal.
According to insiders, Siddaramaiah may have softened his stance after receiving a direct message from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the leadership transition.
Fueling further speculation, Siddaramaiah has reportedly sought time to meet Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on May 28. Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office said the appointment request has intensified rumours that he may submit his resignation soon.
Political observers believe that if Siddaramaiah steps down, it could clear the path for DK Shivakumar to finally assume the Chief Minister’s office — a demand his supporters have consistently raised since the Congress formed the government after the 2023 Assembly elections.
Despite the growing speculation, the Congress officially dismissed reports of an imminent leadership change on Tuesday. Party leaders maintained that recent meetings between the central leadership and Karnataka leaders were focused only on preparations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
However, insiders say discussions over Karnataka’s leadership have continued behind closed doors, with the high command attempting to strike a balance between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps.
Amid the uncertainty, Siddaramaiah is expected to host a crucial breakfast meeting for cabinet colleagues at his official residence on Thursday morning. DK Shivakumar, currently in Delhi, has reportedly revised his travel plans and is expected to return to Bengaluru on Thursday to attend the meeting.
Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, are said to have held extensive discussions with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar regarding the political situation in Karnataka.
At the heart of the current political standoff is the long-standing claim by Shivakumar supporters that a rotational Chief Ministership agreement was reached during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
According to this understanding, Siddaramaiah was expected to serve as Chief Minister for the first half of the term before handing over charge to Shivakumar for the remaining period.
While the Congress has never officially acknowledged such an arrangement, renewed pressure from the Shivakumar camp appears to have brought the issue back to the forefront, setting the stage for a potentially significant political transition in Karnataka.
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