Karnataka Power Shift: Siddaramaiah Not Keen On Rajya Sabha Role Amid Shivakumar Takeover Buzz

Last Updated:May 28, 2026, 08:03 IST

Amid mounting speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah is reportedly not keen on a Rajya Sabha role and is likely to continue as an MLA.

The political suspense in Karnataka deepened on Thursday amid growing indications of a leadership transition in the Congress government, with NDTV reporting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not keen on moving into national politics by accepting a Rajya Sabha berth.

According to the report, sources said Siddaramaiah would continue as an MLA for the next two years rather than shift to Delhi politics.

The report added that the veteran Congress leader is expected to discuss the finer aspects of the transition with the party’s top leadership during meetings in Delhi later in the evening.

Sources further cited in the report said that several Siddaramaiah aides are likely to receive important portfolios in the government expected to be headed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The new government is likely to take the oath on Saturday, May 30.

However, adding another layer to the political drama, CNN-News18 learnt that Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had left for Mumbai late Wednesday night and was likely to travel to Indore from there on Thursday morning.

RESIGNATION SPECULATION INTENSIFIES

The developments come amid intense speculation over a change of guard in Karnataka, with Siddaramaiah reportedly preparing to step down after discussions with the Congress high command.

As per PTI, Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with Governor Gehlot, fuelling buzz that he may formally tender his resignation.

The report said the 77-year-old Congress veteran was also scheduled to host his cabinet colleagues, including Shivakumar, for breakfast on Thursday.

However, the Congress officially attempted to cool speculation.

AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, clarified that the party had not called a Congress Legislature Party meeting and that no formal decision had yet been taken.

He urged the media not to speculate on the issue.

The Legislature Party traditionally elects its leader, who then becomes the chief minister.

DELHI MEETINGS TRIGGER TRANSITION BUZZ

The leadership change speculation gathered pace after Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were summoned to Delhi on Tuesday for meetings with Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Surjewala.

PTI reported that Siddaramaiah had allegedly been offered a central role in the party along with a Rajya Sabha seat as part of the transition arrangement, though reports suggested he had not readily accepted the proposal.

Some sources cited by PTI claimed Siddaramaiah was inclined to step down because the message had come directly from Rahul Gandhi.

The Chief Minister had earlier publicly stated that he would resign if the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha asked him to do so.

Despite the swirling rumours, Siddaramaiah kept the suspense alive on Wednesday by refusing to comment and saying he would speak on the matter later.

While uncertainty persisted officially, celebrations erupted among Shivakumar supporters in Bengaluru, Ramanagara and other areas amid reports that he was set to become Karnataka’s next Chief Minister.

PTI reported that Shivakumar returned to Bengaluru late Wednesday and was greeted by cheering supporters outside his residence.

At the same time, supporters of Siddaramaiah gathered outside the Chief Minister’s official residence and protested against reports suggesting he may resign.

ROTATIONAL CM FORMULA BACK IN FOCUS

The leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has persisted since the Congress formed the government after winning the May 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.

At the time, Shivakumar was reportedly persuaded to accept the Deputy Chief Minister’s post after Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister.

There were widespread reports of a “rotational chief minister formula" under which Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years, although the Congress never officially confirmed such an arrangement.

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