Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru -  Karnataka politics appears headed for a major leadership transition as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to step down from office amid intense speculation over a power sharing arrangement within the Congress government. Reports suggest Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru to formally submit his resignation, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to likely assume the role of Chief Minister.

The anticipated resignation follows weeks of internal discussions and high level negotiations within the Congress leadership over the state’s leadership structure. Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah reportedly held a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues and senior Congress leaders at his official residence, where he is said to have informed ministers about his decision to step down. Several ministers later hinted publicly that DK Shivakumar would be the next Chief Minister, while celebrations reportedly began outside Shivakumar’s residence in Bengaluru. The leadership change is being viewed as the culmination of a long running power sharing understanding within the Karnataka Congress after the party’s 2023 Assembly election victory. Siddaramaiah, one of Karnataka’s most influential Congress leaders, has served two terms as Chief Minister and recently became the state’s longest serving CM. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar has played a key organizational and political role in strengthening the Congress in Karnataka and is widely seen as a powerful mass leader within the party.

If finalized, the leadership transition would mark one of the biggest political developments in Karnataka in recent years. While Congress leaders are projecting unity during the transition, the coming days are expected to shape the future political direction of the state government ahead of the next electoral battles.