Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation has been accepted by the Governor, paving the way for D. K. Shivakumar to become the state’s next Chief Minister. The Congress is also considering appointing four Deputy Chief Ministers in the new cabinet to maintain social and regional balance.
The prolonged political tussle in Karnataka appears to be nearing resolution following the acceptance of Siddaramaiah’s resignation by the Governor. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, who arrived in Bengaluru on Friday, issued an official notification approving the resignation. With this, the path has reportedly been cleared for current Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to become the next Chief Minister of the state.
According to sources, Shivakumar may take oath with a new cabinet next week. Until then, Siddaramaiah will continue to discharge responsibilities as caretaker Chief Minister. The leadership change is being described as a decision taken by the Congress leadership after prolonged deliberations.
Subheading: Discussions on New Cabinet in Delhi
Following the resignation, Siddaramaiah and D. K. Shivakumar have travelled to Delhi. The two leaders are expected to hold discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the formation of the new cabinet.
According to news agency ANI, party sources said the Congress may appoint four Deputy Chief Ministers in the new government to maintain social and regional balance. If implemented, the move is being viewed by party sources as a new political arrangement in Karnataka.
Congress leadership is seeking to ensure representation for major caste and regional groups in the new government so that the party may derive political benefit in upcoming elections, according to sources.
Subheading: Possible Cabinet Reshuffle
According to sources, the new cabinet could witness extensive changes, with discussions around the removal of nearly 10 ministers. Several new faces are expected to be included in the new team.
Political discussions indicate that four Deputy Chief Ministers may be appointed to provide balanced representation to leaders aligned with Siddaramaiah and Mallikarjun Kharge. The names under discussion reportedly include Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and a minister in the state government.
In addition, Siddaramaiah’s son and Legislative Council member Yathindra Siddaramaiah is also being considered for a cabinet position, according to sources. Sources said the move may be intended to signal continuity of Siddaramaiah’s political legacy.
However, the Congress has not officially confirmed any of these names.
Subheading: Siddaramaiah and D. K. Shivakumar Meeting Draws Attention
Images preceding the resignation announcement also drew political attention. D. K. Shivakumar visited Siddaramaiah’s residence and sought his blessings by touching his feet. The two leaders later embraced and had breakfast together.
The images are being viewed as an effort by the Congress leadership to project unity. For the past three years, the contest between the two leaders over the Chief Minister’s post had remained a challenge for the party.
Analysts said the Congress high command did not want any open dispute to emerge during the leadership transition.
Subheading: Siddaramaiah Rules Out Rajya Sabha Move
After resigning as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said he would not move to the Rajya Sabha. During a press conference, he stated that the party leadership had suggested sending him to the Rajya Sabha, but he declined the proposal.
He said he would remain active in politics as a legislator. Political observers believe Siddaramaiah intends to maintain a b role in Karnataka politics.
According to sources, Congress leadership had considered assigning Siddaramaiah a larger role in national politics following the transition, but he chose to remain active in state politics.
Subheading: Focus on Rajya Sabha Elections
Karnataka is set to hold elections for four Rajya Sabha seats in the near future. Congress is expected to comfortably win two seats, while it is also considered likely to have an advantage in contesting a third seat.
According to sources, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala is preparing a panel of names for Rajya Sabha candidates. Sources said Mallikarjun Kharge may be considered for another term in the Rajya Sabha.
Discussions are also underway regarding possible candidates for elections to seven Legislative Council seats. Congress leadership is focusing on organisational balance alongside the formation of the new government.
Subheading: Three-Year Leadership Dispute Nears End
Discussions on leadership change in Karnataka had continued for the past three years. Since the formation of the Congress government, discussions regarding power-sharing between Siddaramaiah and D. K. Shivakumar over the Chief Minister’s post had persisted.
On 26 May, the Congress high command summoned both leaders to Delhi. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and K. C. Venugopal held prolonged meetings with them. According to sources, Siddaramaiah was initially unwilling to step down.
Sources said he had indicated the possibility of adopting a separate position along with supporting legislators. However, following intervention by the party leadership, an agreement was reached and the path for leadership change was cleared.
On 27 May, Siddaramaiah indicated that a major decision would be announced the following day. On 28 May, he officially resigned as Chief Minister.
Subheading: Reasons Behind the Congress Leadership Decision
Political analysts said the Congress leadership sought leadership change before anti-incumbency sentiment developed in the state. According to the source content, the Siddaramaiah government had faced several controversies and allegations in recent months.
Issues including the Valmiki Development Corporation scam had affected the government’s image, according to the source content. Congress leadership reportedly believed that a leadership change at the appropriate time would reduce political damage and provide renewed momentum to the government.
D. K. Shivakumar had also long been viewed as a leading contender for the Chief Minister’s post. Considering his organisational influence and role in electoral strategy, Congress leadership ultimately decided to give him the opportunity, according to the source content.
Subheading: Challenges Before the New Government
D. K. Shivakumar is expected to face several challenges after taking charge of the government. He will need to maintain balance among different factions within the party while responding to opposition criticism.
Issues related to unemployment, infrastructure, investment and farmers remain challenges for the government in Karnataka. Congress also needs to maintain its political position in the state following the Lok Sabha elections.
Political experts said that if a D. K. Shivakumar-led government succeeds in maintaining internal balance, Congress may get an opportunity to strengthen its position further in southern India.
