Karnataka Power Crisis Deepens Amid Siddaramaiah Exit Buzz

Bengaluru: Political uncertainty grips Karnataka

The political temperature in Karnataka rose sharply on Tuesday after reports emerged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought more time to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot amid mounting speculation about his possible resignation.

The development has triggered intense discussions within the ruling Congress camp and given fresh momentum to rumours of a power-sharing arrangement that could eventually elevate Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to the top post.

Sources in Bengaluru indicated that the Governor’s office had been expecting communication from the Chief Minister following a series of political consultations over the past week. However, Siddaramaiah is understood to have requested additional time before any formal meeting takes place.

The Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office has not officially commented on resignation rumours. Congress leaders, meanwhile, have dismissed claims of an imminent leadership change, calling them “politically motivated speculation”.

Yet the buzz refuses to die down.

What triggered the resignation speculation

The latest round of rumours appears linked to growing internal pressure within the Karnataka Congress unit. Since the party’s sweeping Assembly election victory, political observers have repeatedly pointed to an informal understanding between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar regarding rotational leadership.

While the Congress leadership never publicly confirmed such an arrangement, party insiders have often hinted at a delicate balance between the two most powerful leaders in the state.

Siddaramaiah took charge as Chief Minister after Congress returned to power in 2023, while Shivakumar, credited with playing a key organisational role in the election campaign, accepted the Deputy CM position.

Over the last several months, whispers about a possible “mid-term transition” have surfaced periodically. Tuesday’s developments added fresh fuel to those conversations.

Senior Congress MLA Ramesh Gowda told local media that there was “no crisis” in the government but acknowledged that “leadership discussions happen in every major political party.”

Opposition leaders were quick to attack the Congress administration.

The BJP accused the ruling party of prioritising internal politics over governance. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra claimed the state government had become “unstable and directionless” due to factionalism within Congress.

Governor meeting gains significance

The Governor’s role has suddenly become central to the unfolding political drama.

While Governors typically handle routine constitutional communication with state governments, any unscheduled or delayed meeting between the Chief Minister and Raj Bhavan tends to spark political speculation.

According to senior officials familiar with the matter, Siddaramaiah’s office had initially indicated a possible meeting this week. Reports later suggested the Chief Minister sought additional time, though no official reason was provided.

Political analysts believe the delay may simply reflect ongoing consultations with the Congress high command in New Delhi.

“There are too many moving pieces right now,” said political commentator Sandeep Shastri. “Congress wants to avoid any impression of instability. Even if leadership discussions are happening internally, the party would prefer a carefully managed transition rather than public drama.”

DK Shivakumar remains at the centre of discussion

Much of the political speculation revolves around D. K. Shivakumar, one of the Congress party’s strongest organisational leaders in southern India.

Shivakumar has publicly maintained that he remains loyal to the party leadership and focused on governance. However, his supporters within the state unit have repeatedly demanded that he be given an opportunity to lead the government.

Several Congress legislators from the Old Mysuru and Bengaluru regions have openly praised Shivakumar’s contribution to the party’s electoral revival.

Political observers say the Congress high command faces a difficult balancing act.

Replacing Siddaramaiah too early could upset backward-class voter groups that strongly back him. Delaying a transition indefinitely, however, risks disappointing Shivakumar’s camp and reopening factional tensions.

That calculation makes every political signal — including Governor meetings — highly sensitive.

National implications for Congress

The Karnataka developments are being closely watched beyond the state as well.

Karnataka remains one of the Congress party’s most significant electoral victories in recent years. Stability in the state government is crucial for the party’s national image, especially as opposition alliances continue to evolve ahead of future elections.

Any visible internal conflict could hand fresh ammunition to the BJP, which has been targeting Congress over leadership disputes in several states.

Political strategist Harish Bijoor said the Congress leadership would likely avoid abrupt decisions.

“Karnataka is too politically important for experimentation,” he said. “The party will try to ensure that if any transition happens, it appears smooth, consensual and strategic.”

Public reaction and social media frenzy

Social media platforms were flooded with reactions after reports of the delayed Governor meeting surfaced.

Hashtags linked to Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar and Karnataka politics began trending by Tuesday evening. Supporters of both leaders posted messages backing their preferred candidate, while opposition supporters mocked Congress over its internal disagreements.

In Bengaluru, political workers gathered outside party offices waiting for clarity from senior leaders.

Despite the noise online, governance in the state continues normally. Cabinet meetings and departmental reviews are proceeding as scheduled, according to government officials.

Still, uncertainty inside the ruling party remains evident.

What happens next

All eyes are now on the Congress high command and the proposed meeting between Siddaramaiah and Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

If the Chief Minister proceeds with the meeting later this week, it could help calm speculation. On the other hand, continued silence may intensify rumours about leadership negotiations happening behind closed doors.

For now, Congress leaders insist there is no immediate threat to the government.

But in Karnataka politics, perception often moves faster than official announcements.

And at this moment, the perception of a brewing power struggle is dominating the political conversation across the country.