Siddaramaiah to host Breakfast meet amidst speculation over his resignation
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to host a breakfast meeting for his cabinet colleagues on Thursday amid mounting speculation over a possible leadership change in the state.
The development comes after marathon discussions between Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the Congress high command in New Delhi on Tuesday, intensifying buzz over a transition of power in Karnataka.
Sources indicated that Siddaramaiah may meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday and could potentially submit his resignation, paving the way for Shivakumar’s elevation as Chief Minister under the reported “rotational formula” agreed upon in 2023.
Keeping the suspense alive, the 77-year-old Congress veteran refused to comment on the issue on Wednesday and told reporters he would speak on the matter “tomorrow”.
The leadership issue has dominated Karnataka politics since the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its term in November 2025. Reports of a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have persisted since the formation of the government after the 2023 Assembly elections, though the party has never officially confirmed such an agreement.
Deputy CM Shivakumar, currently in Delhi, has reportedly revised his travel schedule and is now expected to return to Bengaluru on Thursday. He is also likely to attend the breakfast meeting hosted by Siddaramaiah at his official residence.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders continued to maintain caution publicly. Home Minister G Parameshwara said no one outside the top leadership knew what transpired during the Delhi meetings and stressed that everyone would abide by the party high command’s decision.
PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi also said clarity may emerge after Thursday’s breakfast meeting and added that speculation would continue until an official announcement is made.
According to sources, the Congress leadership has reportedly offered Siddaramaiah a larger role at the national level along with a Rajya Sabha seat if he steps down. However, there is no confirmation on whether the Chief Minister has accepted the proposal.
The Congress high command on Tuesday officially dismissed reports of a leadership change, stating that discussions in Delhi were focused on upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
Despite the denial, political activity in Karnataka has intensified, with several leaders from the AHINDA bloc — representing minorities, backward classes and Dalits — seeking representation in any future power arrangement.
