Siddaramaiah may step down, but uphold AHINDA interests

Amid intense political developments within the Congress party in Karnataka over a possible leadership change, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to take a series of crucial political steps if the Congress high command finalises its decision on leadership transition.

According to sources close to Siddaramaiah, he has indicated to his inner circle that he will not go against directions from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. There are reports that the party leadership has asked him to step down to make way for DK Shivakumar. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Congress leadership.

If Siddaramaiah resigns, it could mark the end of a record-breaking political chapter in Karnataka. The AHINDA leader has already become Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister, surpassing former chief minister Devaraj Urs’ record of 7 years and 239 days. Siddaramaiah has completed more than eight years as chief minister across two terms, and also holds the record of presenting 17 state budgets as finance minister.

Announcement likely on Thursday

Political sources indicate that Siddaramaiah may announce his decision after Thursday’s breakfast meeting with ministers and consultations with Congress MLAs. A Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting could follow before he formally submits his resignation to the Governor.

Sources also indicate that the CLP could meet in the coming days to discuss the selection of a new leader.

Siddaramaiah’s social justice agenda

Attention has also shifted to Siddaramaiah’s long-pending social justice agenda. The caste survey report — first initiated during his earlier tenure — remained unimplemented despite his return for a second term. Instead, following party-level discussions and opposition from several communities, the government ordered a fresh socio-economic and caste survey.

Also Read: DK Shivakumar looks set to become Karnataka CM; what next for Siddaramaiah?

Now, amid discussions about leadership transitions, the Karnataka Backwards Classes Commission has reportedly called for an emergency meeting. Sources indicate that the commission, which has already prepared its social, educational, and economic survey report, may submit it to the government by Wednesday (May 27).

There is also speculation that the caste census report could be submitted to Siddaramaiah before any political change takes place. Political observers see this as potentially becoming a major final administrative and AHINDA-linked legacy decision before any leadership change in Karnataka’s Congress unit.

Safeguarding his political legacy

Siddaramaiah has reportedly been holding discussions with his inner circle on the political roadmap ahead, particularly on safeguarding his political legacy, protecting the interests of his loyal camp, and ensuring that AHINDA representation remains intact in the power structure.

A key question before Siddaramaiah is how to politically engage with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar if he takes over as Chief Minister. Political observers indicate that Siddaramaiah could prefer remaining politically active rather than opting for retirement, given his mass base and influence over a significant section of Congress legislators.

With more than 80 MLAs considered politically aligned with him, Siddaramaiah may seek adequate representation for his loyalists, particularly leaders and MLAs associated with the AHINDA social coalition — minorities, backward classes, and Dalits - in the new government, including Cabinet positions and organisational roles, to protect their political interests.

Also Read: Will Congress remove Siddaramaiah as CM to make way for DK Shivakumar?

It is also said that discussions are centred around whether Siddaramaiah should move into a behind-the-scenes strategic role — guiding government decisions, safeguarding AHINDA interests, and ensuring continuity of welfare policies associated with his leadership.

Another major aspect under discussion is how Siddaramaiah could retain political influence within a possible DK Shivakumar-led government while maintaining unity within the Congress and preventing internal factional tensions from affecting the party ahead of future electoral battles.

What's on offer for Siddaramaiah and his loyalists?

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reportedly offered Chief Minister Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha role after he steps down as chief minister. Rahul is said to have indicated that Siddaramaiah’s experience and leadership are needed in national politics.

Siddaramaiah’s loyalists, including Satish Jarkiholi, Dr C Mahadevappa, and Zameer Ahmed Khan, are pressuring him to take a firm stand on protecting AHINDA interests and ensuring safeguards for AHINDA leaders before stepping down.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah meets Congress leaders in Delhi amid Karnataka CM change speculation

Political discussions are reportedly centred around a possible power-balancing formula, including demands for four Deputy Chief Minister posts representing backward classes, Dalits, minorities, and the Lingayat community. There is speculation that Siddaramaiah’s son Dr. Yathindra and Minister Priyank Kharge could be considered for Deputy Chief Minister positions.

The developments come after multiple rounds of discussions in Delhi involving senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and DK Shivakumar. Political activity is expected to intensify in Bengaluru as Congress leaders continue internal consultations over the party’s future strategy in Karnataka.

Congress leaders, however, have not yet made any official announcement regarding leadership changes.