Karnataka Awaits New Era as DK Shivakumar Prepares to Take Oath as Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar likely to take oath as Karnataka CM this Saturday.
The Congress leadership transition in Karnataka appears to be entering its final phase, with D. K. Shivakumar emerging as the frontrunner to replace Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister. According to party sources, marathon discussions held in New Delhi on Tuesday ended with the Congress high command backing Shivakumar’s elevation, although the exact timing of the swearing-in ceremony remains undecided.
Sources said senior Congress leaders have attempted to ensure a smooth transition by offering Siddaramaiah a broader organisational role at the national level, including a possible Rajya Sabha seat and a greater say in party affairs in Delhi. The party leadership has also reportedly assured representation for Siddaramaiah loyalists in the next Karnataka cabinet if Shivakumar takes over as Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah is understood to have sought additional time before formally communicating his decision.
Two possible timelines are currently being discussed within Congress circles. In the first and more likely scenario, Siddaramaiah could step down within the next few days, allowing Shivakumar to take oath as Chief Minister over the weekend. Party leaders are said to favour an early transition since most elements of the succession plan have reportedly already been worked out through negotiations in Delhi.
Also Read: DK Shivakumar To Become Karnataka CM After Siddaramaiah Exit Plan Approved: Report
However, a second scenario remains under consideration if Siddaramaiah decides to delay his resignation. In that case, the leadership change may be postponed until after the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled around June 18. Three Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka are set to become available, and Congress is believed to be carefully managing internal equations to avoid political friction ahead of the Upper House polls. According to sources, one seat could be offered to Siddaramaiah, while another may go to Mallikarjun Kharge and the third to Shivakumar’s brother D. K. Suresh.
Even as celebrations grow within the Shivakumar camp, Siddaramaiah has remained publicly cautious. After returning to Bengaluru on Wednesday, the chief minister declined to comment in detail on the reported transition plan, saying only that he would speak on the matter later. Sources indicate that Siddaramaiah’s supporters are pushing for multiple deputy chief ministers in a future Shivakumar government as part of a power-balancing arrangement. They are also reportedly seeking control of the Karnataka Congress president’s post, which is currently held by Shivakumar.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar is scheduled to meet Siddaramaiah for a breakfast meeting on Thursday morning at the chief minister’s residence. The meeting is expected to be politically significant as negotiations over cabinet structure, organisational roles and transition timing continue behind closed doors. While Congress leaders appear close to finalising Karnataka’s next political chapter, the official announcement is likely to depend on Siddaramaiah’s final decision and the party’s assessment of electoral and organisational stability.
Also Read: Congress Moves To End Karnataka Leadership Deadlock As Siddaramaiah And DK Shivakumar Meet
