'No Congress Without Siddaramaiah': MLC Balakrishna Amid Karnataka CM Transition Talk
'No Congress Without Siddaramaiah': MLC Balakrishna Amid Karnataka CM Transition Talk Published By, Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 15:02 IST HC Balakrishna told CNN-News18 that
'No Congress Without Siddaramaiah': MLC Balakrishna Amid Karnataka CM Transition Talk Published By, Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 15:02 IST HC Balakrishna told CNN-News18 that Siddaramaiah remains vital for Congress ahead of 2028 polls, even as Karnataka leadership change buzz intensifies around DK Shivakumar. DK Shivakumar with Siddaramaiah (Photo: PTI) Amid intense speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Congress MLA and Siddaramaiah camp leader HC Balakrishna told CNN-News18 that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remains central to the party’s prospects ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. He also indicated support for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar eventually taking over the top post. Balakrishna’s remarks came as political chatter over a possible power transition in Karnataka intensified following marathon meetings between the Congress high command and the state’s top leadership in Delhi. According to a PTI report, Siddaramaiah is likely to host cabinet colleagues for breakfast on Thursday and may also meet the Governor, fuelling speculation about his possible resignation. Meanwhile, speaking to CNN-News18, Balakrishna strongly backed Siddaramaiah’s importance within the Congress and suggested that the veteran leader’s role would remain critical even if a transition takes place. “Without Siddaramaiah, there is no Congress. He is very important for the 2028 polls.
We can’t fight Assembly polls without him," Balakrishna said. At the same time, he indicated that Siddaramaiah should facilitate a smooth transfer of power to Shivakumar if the party leadership decides in that direction. “Siddaramaiah should step down happily and support DK Shivakumar," he told CNN-News18. His remarks are being viewed as significant because Balakrishna is seen as being close to Siddaramaiah and part of the Chief Minister’s camp within the Karnataka Congress. Balakrishna also hinted at a possible power-sharing arrangement aimed at balancing caste and community equations within the state Congress. “After DK Shivakumar becomes the Chief Minister, there will be four deputy chief ministers from all communities," he said. The statement comes amid discussions within the Congress over representation for various social groups in the event of a leadership reshuffle. PTI reported that several AHINDA leaders, representing minorities, backward classes and Dalits, want one of their own to occupy a key post if there is a change in leadership. There have also been demands within sections of the party for a “Dalit chief minister", with names such as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Home Minister G Parameshwara being floated in political discussions. KPCC CHIEF DECISION TO BE TAKEN BY HIGH COMMAND Balakrishna further said the Congress leadership would take an appropriate call regarding the next Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.
“In the interest of the party, the High Command will take an appropriate decision when it comes to the next KPCC president," he told CNN-News18. Speculation has been growing over organisational changes within the Karnataka Congress as part of a possible transition exercise. Shivakumar, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Minister as well as KPCC president, remained in Delhi and revised his travel plans amid the ongoing discussions. Balakrishna also referred to the meetings held between the Karnataka leadership and the Congress high command in Delhi. “Yesterday’s meeting was good, and Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, and everyone will abide by High Command’s decision," he said. According to the PTI report, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were summoned to Delhi for discussions involving Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. The report said speculation about a change of guard intensified after the meetings, with reports indicating that a transition in leadership was now “very much likely". However, the Congress officially dismissed the reports on Tuesday, describing the buzz around a leadership change as “mere speculation" and maintaining that the discussions were focused on upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. The latest round of political developments has once again revived discussions around the alleged “rotational chief minister formula" that has been at the centre of Karnataka Congress politics since 2023.
The Congress won the Karnataka Assembly election in May 2023, and there was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post. The party eventually chose Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister, while Shivakumar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister. There were widespread reports at the time that the Congress leadership had worked out a compromise under which Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years, though the arrangement was never officially confirmed by the party. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 27, 2026, 15:02 IST News india 'No Congress Without Siddaramaiah': MLC Balakrishna Amid Karnataka CM Transition Talk Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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