Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly informed his cabinet colleagues about his decision to step down, triggering fresh political speculation over a leadership change in the Congress-led government. The development came during a breakfast meeting hosted by the Chief Minister at his residence on Thursday, according to official sources.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, widely seen as the frontrunner for the top post, attended the meeting along with several cabinet ministers. Pictures shared by the Chief Minister’s Office showed an emotional moment between the two leaders, with Siddaramaiah hugging Shivakumar.

Another image showed Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah’s feet and seeking his blessings, adding fuel to the Karnataka CM change buzz.

Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office said Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot after the Congress high command reportedly asked him to make way for a new leader in the state. However, Lok Bhavan sources later clarified that no appointment had yet been sought, as the Governor had travelled to his native Indore for personal reasons.

The latest political developments come amid intense speculation over who will lead the Congress government in Karnataka if Siddaramaiah steps down. The Congress Legislature Party is responsible for choosing its leader, who would then become the next Chief Minister.

Karnataka leadership change

The possible leadership change has intensified political activity across Karnataka, especially after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025.

Speculation over a rotational chief minister arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has persisted since Congress came to power in May 2023. While the party never officially confirmed such an agreement, reports at the time suggested Shivakumar could take over after two-and-a-half years.

High-level discussions took place in Delhi involving Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, K C Venugopal, Surjewala, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

According to reports, the Congress leadership has offered Siddaramaiah a larger organisational role at the national level along with a Rajya Sabha seat, though he is yet to accept the proposal.

Siddaramaiah, 77, has repeatedly said in recent months that he would step down if Rahul Gandhi personally asked him to do so. Some sources now indicate that the message for leadership change may have come directly from the Congress leadership in Delhi.

With PTI inputs