Bangalore, November 25, 2025 – Karnataka's political scene is buzzing with speculation over a potential change in Chief Minister, fueled by cryptic remarks from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the movement of MLAs to Delhi. Shivakumar's recent comment about a "secret deal" has intensified the ongoing power tussle within the ruling Congress party, adding another layer of intrigue to the already complex situation.
The speculation gained momentum as the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, reviving discussions of a purported 2023 "power-sharing" agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar. While the Congress party has never officially confirmed such an arrangement, reports at the time suggested a possible rotational chief ministership, with Shivakumar taking over after two and a half years.
Adding fuel to the fire, a new group of Karnataka Congress legislators, loyal to DK Shivakumar, have flown to New Delhi to meet with the party high command. Sources indicate that at least six MLAs, including H.C. Balakrishna, K.M. Uday, Nayana Motamma, Iqbal Hussain, Sharath Bache Gowda, and Shivaganga Basavaraj, are in Delhi to advocate for Shivakumar's elevation to the Chief Minister's post. This follows a similar visit last week by approximately ten Shivakumar-aligned MLAs who met with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Amidst the активности, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has maintained that he will remain in the top post if the party high command decides so. He emphasized that the final decision regarding the leadership lies with the party leadership, and both he and his deputy are bound to accept it. Siddaramaiah also held a meeting with Kharge in Bengaluru on Saturday.
DK Shivakumar has also weighed in on the matter, stating that "all 140 MLAs" are his, while wishing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah "all the best". Shivakumar described Siddaramaiah as a valuable asset to the Congress party and said that everyone in the government is working together under his guidance. He also expressed his agreement with the Chief Minister's statement regarding the leadership question, calling his words like a "Veda Vakya" or sacred statement.
According to party insiders, Siddaramaiah is reportedly pushing for a cabinet reshuffle, while Shivakumar wants the leadership issue settled first. Shivakumar had previously hinted at stepping down from the Karnataka Congress post, suggesting that others should be given an opportunity. He has served as the party's Karnataka unit chief for 5.5 years, and will be 6 years in March.
The situation remains fluid, with both camps vying for the support of the party high command. The coming days are crucial as the Congress leadership is expected to make a decision that will shape the future of the Karnataka government. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge is set to leave for Delhi, while senior leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to return from an overseas trip. The decision of the high command will be critical in determining whether Karnataka will witness a change in leadership or if Siddaramaiah will continue to helm the state.
