New Delhi: Reports indicate that D K Shivakumar will soon be announced as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. Sources close to the party confirmed that he will replace the incumbent Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, and a special meeting will be convened to select the new leader. It is understood that the Congress high command has requested Siddaramaiah to step down from the post.

Although the names of senior leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Home Minister G Parameshwara, were considered, the high command ultimately decided to appoint Shivakumar as Chief Minister.
Deccan Herald reported that Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Congress president, enjoys the backing of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.

This transition points towards a new realignment of power within the ruling party. Overseen by senior party leaders, this change is set to have a huge impact on Karnataka politics. The decision honours the power-sharing agreement struck between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections, under which both leaders were to serve as Chief Minister for two and a half years each.

Following a crucial meeting in Delhi on Tuesday, Shivakumar altered his travel plans and will return to Bengaluru early Thursday morning. The Congress Legislature Party is likely to meet on Friday to officially elect the new leader. Randeep Surjewala, the Congress General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, will also arrive in Bengaluru to oversee the smooth transition of power.

On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held separate meetings with Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. Emerging reports suggest that Rahul requested Siddaramaiah to step down. Although Siddaramaiah sought time to consult his close aides, it is understood that he has accepted the high command's directive.

The party initially expected Siddaramaiah to resign after the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections concluded on June 18. However, during discussions with close associates at Minister K J George's residence in Delhi, Siddaramaiah indicated that he would resign immediately without waiting for the elections to finish.

Sources close to the party noted that Siddaramaiah told ministers, "I have maintained from the beginning that I would resign whenever Rahul asked. Since he has requested it now, I will step down immediately."