Karnataka’s political landscape is witnessing significant turbulence as reports suggest a possible major leadership reshuffle within the Congress government, including a potential change of Chief Minister and the introduction of a multi-Deputy CM structure.

According to political sources, the Congress leadership is actively considering a plan that may see three Deputy Chief Ministers appointed in Karnataka, while the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could be asked to step down. The proposed new Chief Minister is expected to take oath on May 30, although official confirmation is still awaited.

Leadership Change Under Discussion in Congress

The internal discussions within the Congress party have intensified, with sources indicating that the high command has been engaged in talks with key leaders in both Delhi and Bengaluru. The central leadership is said to be evaluating a formula that balances caste and regional representation while ensuring political stability in the state.

At the centre of the discussion is the long-standing leadership contest between Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar, both of whom are senior Congress leaders with strong support bases.

Reports suggest that Siddaramaiah has been asked to consider stepping down and may be offered a larger organisational role at the national level, along with a possible Rajya Sabha seat. However, it is also reported that he has not yet formally agreed to the proposal.

Proposed Three Deputy CM Formula

One of the most notable developments is the reported proposal to appoint three Deputy Chief Ministers, representing different social and political groups. This formula is being seen as an attempt by the Congress high command to balance representation and manage internal factions.

The possible names being discussed include:

• SC Representation: G Parameshwara or Priyank Kharge
• OBC Representation: Yathindra Siddaramaiah
• Lingayat Representation: MB Patil or Eshwar Khandre
• Minority Representation: KJ George, UT Khader, or Zameer Ahmed Khan

This proposed structure is seen as a way to distribute power across key communities in Karnataka politics, ensuring wider political acceptance and internal party balance.

Siddaramaiah’s Position and Political Uncertainty

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly sought time to meet the Governor on May 28, which has further intensified speculation about his possible resignation. According to sources, he may formally step down, although no official announcement has been made.

Meanwhile, he is also expected to hold a cabinet breakfast meeting, which is being viewed as a crucial political event amid the ongoing uncertainty.

Congress leaders have, however, publicly termed reports of a leadership change as speculative, stating that recent discussions were focused primarily on upcoming legislative council and Rajya Sabha elections.

DK Shivakumar’s Role in the Power Equation

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is seen as the strongest contender for the top post, is currently in Delhi for discussions with senior Congress leadership. He has also revised his travel schedule and is expected to return to Bengaluru for key meetings.

His supporters continue to maintain that there was a power-sharing agreement during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, under which Siddaramaiah would serve as CM for the first half of the term before handing over leadership.

This claim has remained a central point of political tension within the party and continues to influence ongoing negotiations.

Congress High Command’s Final Decision Pending

Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, are reported to have held multiple rounds of discussions with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. However, no final decision has been announced yet.

Sources indicate that the final call on leadership change is likely to be taken after the Rajya Sabha elections next month, suggesting that the current situation remains fluid and subject to further political developments.

Conclusion

Karnataka is currently witnessing a crucial phase of political uncertainty as the Congress party evaluates a possible leadership transition. With reports of a new Chief Minister, three Deputy CMs, and ongoing negotiations between top leaders, the coming days are expected to be decisive.

While no official confirmation has been made, the political developments suggest a potential restructuring of the state government that could significantly reshape Karnataka’s power dynamics ahead of the next electoral cycle.

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