DK Shivakumar Likely to Replace Siddaramaiah as Karnataka CM; New Legislature Party Leader Expected to Be Announced Today

Bengaluru: After months of simmering internal tensions within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is set to take over as Chief Minister, replacing Siddaramaiah. A crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting to formally announce the new leader is scheduled to be held at Vidhana Soudha at 4 pm today.

The meeting will take place in the presence of Congress high-command representatives KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. According to reports, escalating factional disputes within the party led Siddaramaiah to submit his resignation to the Governor. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot subsequently dissolved the Council of Ministers, paving the way for Shivakumar’s elevation.

The Congress leadership is reportedly attempting to have Siddaramaiah himself propose Shivakumar’s name as his successor. If that does not materialize, the party may pass the customary one-line resolution authorizing the high command to make the final decision. The swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister is expected to take place in the coming days.

With the leadership transition appearing imminent, intense lobbying has begun among Congress leaders and MLAs seeking positions in the new cabinet. Aspirants for ministerial berths are reportedly reaching out to senior party leaders and engaging in extensive negotiations to secure support.

Factional rivalries have also intensified in New Delhi, where various groups are attempting to influence the composition of the next ministry. The Shivakumar camp is said to be pushing to replace several ministers considered loyal to Siddaramaiah with its own supporters.

To address disputes over power-sharing, the party is also considering the appointment of multiple Deputy Chief Ministers to accommodate competing factions. Meanwhile, leaders have begun positioning themselves for the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, which would become vacant if Shivakumar assumes the Chief Minister’s office.