Siddaramaiah Camp Gears Up As Congress Weighs DK Shivakumar Push

Sources familiar with developments said Siddaramaiah’s loyalists are in standby mode and ready to fly to the capital to pressure party leadership to retain him as chief minister. They plan to act immediately if even the slightest indication emerges that Shivakumar may be favoured for the top post. Siddaramaiah, who has openly acknowledged the ongoing confusion, has urged the party to end the uncertainty.

If the Congress insists on changing the chief minister, Siddaramaiah’s group reportedly plans to present a list of alternative candidates to block Shivakumar’s elevation. Among the names being floated is Home Minister G Parameshwara, a strong Siddaramaiah ally and influential Dalit leader who has subtly signaled his interest in the role.

This strategy was reinforced at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah loyalist, who argued that the party’s central leadership must urgently address the turmoil. Meanwhile, Shivakumar has maintained a largely restrained public posture, regularly expressing support for Siddaramaiah while also delivering subtle reminders about honoring internal commitments. His remarks have fueled speculation about an internal agreement that may have promised him the chief minister’s seat midway through the current term.

With that halfway mark now crossed, pressure from Shivakumar’s supporters has intensified, increasing strain within the party. Senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are expected to meet shortly to decide the party’s next steps. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are likely to be summoned to Delhi once a consensus begins to take shape.