Cabinet role for Siddaramaiah’s son discussed amid exit rumours

Fresh political uncertainty gripped Karnataka after intense discussions within the Congress leadership triggered speculation over a possible change in government leadership. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar now stand at the centre of renewed power negotiations inside the party.

The latest round of developments gathered pace after both leaders travelled to New Delhi earlier this week. Senior Congress figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K. C. Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala, held several meetings with the Karnataka leadership to review the political situation in the state.

Soon after the Delhi discussions, Siddaramaiah invited Shivakumar for breakfast at his official residence in Bengaluru. The meeting immediately fueled speculation across political circles. Supporters from both camps gathered outside party offices and government buildings throughout the day, closely tracking every update from the leadership talks.

Congress leaders publicly dismissed reports of an immediate leadership shift. However, conversations inside the party continue to hint at serious differences over the top post. Party insiders believe the high command wants clarity before the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections next month.

The power-sharing issue has followed the Karnataka Congress government ever since the party scored a massive victory in the 2023 Assembly election. Siddaramaiah returned as chief minister for a second term after he united backward communities, Dalits and minority voters behind the Congress campaign. Meanwhile, Shivakumar played a major organisational role and handled much of the election strategy during the campaign against the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Back in 2025, similar rumours surfaced after Siddaramaiah completed half of the government’s term. At that time, discussions around a rotational chief minister formula gained momentum. Yet the leadership transition never happened.

Now, fresh negotiations appear to have reopened the same debate. Political sources claim the Congress leadership discussed several possible arrangements during the Delhi meetings. One proposal reportedly includes a Rajya Sabha berth for Siddaramaiah along with a cabinet opportunity for his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who currently serves in the state legislative council.

However, uncertainty still surrounds the succession question. Several party workers in Bengaluru expressed concern that prolonged infighting could weaken the government ahead of future elections. Some local Congress leaders fear that visible factionalism may energise opposition parties across the state.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar supporters continue to push for clarity on leadership promises made after the Assembly election victory. Many within his camp believe the deputy chief minister waited patiently despite repeated delays.

At the same time, another name has quietly entered internal discussions. Some Congress leaders reportedly view Kharge as a possible compromise candidate if disagreements between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar intensify further. Such a move could also reshape the party’s national leadership structure ahead of key political battles in the coming years.

For now, the Congress leadership continues closed-door consultations while Karnataka watches closely. Even though official statements attempt to calm speculation, political tension inside the ruling party remains far from over.