DK Shivakumar to Become CM

Metro India News | New Delhi 

In a significant development that could reshape Karnataka politics ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, Congress high command has reportedly finalized a leadership change in the southern state. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is poised to take over as the next Chief Minister, while incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to step down and transition to the Rajya Sabha, sources close to the developments told multiple news outlets. 

The amicable settlement, brokered primarily by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders, brings to a close months of simmering tensions and speculation over a power-sharing arrangement between the two veteran leaders. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were summoned to Delhi for crucial meetings on Tuesday, where marathon discussions reportedly focused on the future of the Karnataka Congress government. 

According to sources, Siddaramaiah, who has been at the helm since the Congress's victory in the 2023 Assembly elections, has been offered a Rajya Sabha berth from Karnataka along with a prominent role in national politics. The 78-year-old leader, who recently became one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in the state's history, is said to have sought time to deliberate but is likely to formalize his decision in the coming days. 

This move is seen as a strategic recalibration by the Congress to address growing anti-incumbency and consolidate its position. When the Congress formed the government in May 2023 after defeating the BJP, internal dynamics favored Siddaramaiah as CM, with Shivakumar — then the state unit president credited with strengthening the party organization — appointed as Deputy CM. Supporters of Shivakumar had long claimed an informal understanding of a rotational leadership, roughly after 2.5 years, though the high command had never publicly confirmed it. 

Rahul Gandhi is understood to have played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between the two leaders, emphasizing party unity and long-term electoral strategy. Insiders describe the resolution as amicable, with both camps projecting a united front. Shivakumar, 64, widely regarded as a strong organizational leader with deep roots in the Vokkaliga community, has been actively lobbying for the top post. His elevation is expected to energize the party cadre and help counter opposition narratives ahead of key polls. 

The Delhi meetings also touched upon upcoming Rajya Sabha elections (where Congress eyes multiple seats from Karnataka) and Legislative Council polls. Party general secretary K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala were part of the deliberations. While some official statements initially downplayed leadership change as "speculation" to manage optics, multiple credible sources confirmed the transition plan. 

Political analysts view this as a pragmatic move. Siddaramaiah's strong support among AHINDA (Arivu, Hindulida, Dalita) communities — minorities, backward classes, and Dalits — helped Congress break traditional caste equations in 2023. Transitioning him to the upper house allows the party to retain his influence at the national level while giving Shivakumar, known for his administrative acumen and role in the party's revival, a chance to lead from the front. 

Shivakumar has repeatedly expressed confidence in Congress returning to power in 2028, citing the success of the party's guarantee schemes. His supporters argue that fresh leadership could accelerate development and neutralize BJP's attacks on governance issues. Opposition parties, meanwhile, have seized on the internal churn, accusing Congress of instability.