- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 26 May 2026 09:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka CM Power Tussle: Amid the escalating power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to step down from his post on Friday, with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar emerging as the frontrunner to succeed him, according to multiple media reports.
According to CNN-News18 citing sources said Siddaramaiah has been offered a national-level role within the party, while Shivakumar is expected to take over as Karnataka Chief Minister. Reports also suggest that Siddaramaiah’s son could be appointed as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister as part of a possible power-sharing arrangement.
The speculation comes hours after the Congress sought to dismiss reports of a leadership change, terming them “mere speculation” and maintaining that the discussions held in Delhi were only related to the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Karnataka Legislative Council elections.
#WATCH | Amid speculations around CM post in Karnataka, after a party meeting, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal says, "...The entire discussion was concentrated only on upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and Council Elections of Karnataka. Whatever speculation… pic.twitter.com/d7ZcBY5A2R
— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2026
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had convened a meeting to decide party candidates for the two elections, the point of interest remained the protracted leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, who were called to Delhi.
According to PTI citing sources, Shivakumar’s camp has been urging Siddaramaiah to vacate the top post, while the party leadership has proposed a central role for the veteran leader. The report further added that the offer includes a Rajya Sabha seat, though Siddaramaiah has not accepted the proposal so far.
The Congress has not officially commented on the reports. However, several media outlets have claimed that a leadership transition in Karnataka could take place within the next few days.

