Karnataka Leadership Transition On Cards, New CM's Oath Likely On Saturday: Congress Sources
Karnataka Leadership Transition On Cards, New CM's Oath Likely On Saturday: Congress Sources Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 13:43 IST Karnataka
Karnataka Leadership Transition On Cards, New CM's Oath Likely On Saturday: Congress Sources Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 13:43 IST Karnataka could see a new chief minister on Saturday, amid strong indications that the party high command is moving ahead with a leadership transition. Rapid Read Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, left, and his deputy DK Shivakumar (Photo: PTI) Amid mounting speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Congress sources told CNN-News18 that the oath-taking ceremony for a new chief minister is likely to take place on Saturday (May 30), even as hectic political activity continued in Bengaluru and New Delhi over the succession plan. The development comes against the backdrop of an intensifying power tussle within the Karnataka Congress between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, with party insiders indicating that the Congress high command is working towards a “smooth transition of power". Shivakumar is scheduled to hold a crucial breakfast meeting with Siddaramaiah on Thursday morning at the Chief Minister’s official residence ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru. Shivakumar’s office said that he will fly back from Delhi early Thursday morning and head directly to Siddaramaiah’s residence for the meeting.
Sources quoted by IANS indicated that both leaders may jointly address the media after the meeting in an attempt to quell speculation surrounding the leadership issue. The meeting has gained political significance as it comes amid reports that the Congress central leadership has decided to move ahead with Shivakumar’s elevation. The current political churn has revived discussions around the long-rumoured rotational chief ministership formula within the Karnataka Congress. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had earlier held a much-publicised “breakfast diplomacy" meeting in December 2025 amid similar speculation over power-sharing arrangements. Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala is also arriving in Bengaluru, officially for matters related to the Greater Bengaluru Authority elections. However, party insiders told IANS that his visit is linked to ensuring a seamless leadership transition in the state. Sources further claimed that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had asked Siddaramaiah to step down to facilitate Shivakumar’s elevation as Chief Minister. While the Siddaramaiah camp is said to have conveyed its willingness to respect the party leadership’s decision, resistance reportedly remains among a section of ministers and loyalists who are opposed to any change in leadership. The Congress high command is also believed to be working on a broader political accommodation formula to maintain caste and regional balance within the government.
Siddaramaiah has reportedly been offered a larger role in national politics, while discussions are also underway regarding a Deputy Chief Minister position for his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, along with key ministerial portfolios. Party sources also suggested that the Congress leadership is considering the creation of multiple deputy chief minister posts to ensure representation for various communities, especially backward classes and oppressed groups. Amid the uncertainty, supporters of Shivakumar have already started putting up celebratory banners and circulating congratulatory social media posts in anticipation of his possible elevation as the next Chief Minister. However, the Congress has so far not issued any official statement confirming a leadership change. The Karnataka BJP and JD(S) have meanwhile intensified their attacks on the ruling Congress over the internal power struggle. Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra alleged that governance in the state had come to a halt because senior Congress leaders were focused entirely on power negotiations in Delhi. He claimed that the Congress government had “gone to Delhi on a deputation driven by its hunger for power". The Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular) also criticised the Congress, accusing its leaders of prioritising political positions over governance and public welfare.
The party alleged that Congress leaders were engaged in a “scramble for the chair" while ignoring issues concerning farmers and development in the state. Despite the growing buzz around a possible transition, the Congress high command on Tuesday publicly downplayed reports of a crisis in the Karnataka unit. Following marathon meetings in Delhi, senior party leaders maintained that discussions were focused on upcoming Rajya Sabha and local body elections and avoided questions regarding the leadership issue. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 27, 2026, 13:30 IST News india Karnataka Leadership Transition On Cards, New CM's Oath Likely On Saturday: Congress Sources 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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