Siddaramaiah’s Delhi Bound? DK Shivakumar Emerges as Frontrunner for Karnataka CM Post
Karnataka’s political landscape is once again witnessing tremors as buzz intensifies around a possible leadership change in the Congress-led state government. The speculation centers on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s potential elevation to a national role within the Congress party, potentially paving the way for his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to ascend as the next Chief Minister.
The trigger? Siddaramaiah’s reported nomination to the Congress’s All India OBC Advisory Council, a move that some see as the first step towards his transition to central politics. While the Congress high command continues to back Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar is said to be actively building support among party MLAs and seers of prominent mathas in Karnataka.
Speaking from Hubballi, Siddaramaiah clarified that no official confirmation has reached him regarding his new appointment. However, he stated that he would “gladly accept any responsibility” handed to him by the party’s top leadership and is in discussions with them about the role.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have seized the moment. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka alleged that the Congress is using a familiar tactic—promoting strong state leaders to Delhi to dilute their influence locally, much like what happened with Mallikarjun Kharge in 2013. “Siddaramaiah’s gate pass to Delhi is confirmed. He will leave in October or November, and DK Shivakumar will take charge as CM,” Ashoka claimed.
The Congress party’s recent list of 25 members recommended for the OBC Advisory Council, submitted by AICC OBC department chairman Anil Jaihind, includes multiple Congress veterans including BK Hariprasad, Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, and Sachin Pilot. The inclusion of Siddaramaiah in this group adds to the growing speculation.
Whether this is an orchestrated leadership transition or just internal reshuffling remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Karnataka’s political climate is heating up, and the next few months could reshape its leadership landscape dramatically.
