Senior Congress leader RV Deshpande said Siddaramaiah informed party leaders about his decision to step down as Karnataka Chief Minister
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s political uncertainty intensified on Tuesday after senior Congress MLA R. V. Deshpande publicly indicated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign from office on Wednesday amid ongoing leadership transition developments within the Congress party.
The statement is being viewed as one of the clearest public confirmations yet regarding Siddaramaiah’s possible exit from the Chief Minister’s post following recent meetings with the Congress high command in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Siddaramaiah at his official ‘Kaveri’ residence in Bengaluru, Deshpande revealed that the Chief Minister had informed party leaders about his intention to resign.
“The Chief Minister told us that he would resign tomorrow, but we requested him not to step down,” R.V. Deshpande said.
The remarks have now intensified speculation that the long-discussed Congress power-sharing arrangement in Karnataka may finally be entering its final phase.
Congress Leadership Change Reaches Crucial Stage
Political developments within the Karnataka Congress have accelerated rapidly over the past several days after Siddaramaiah held marathon discussions with senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, in Delhi.
Although no minister or MLA had publicly disclosed details of the discussions earlier, Deshpande’s statement is now being seen as a major political breakthrough confirming internal conversations surrounding Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
Sources within the Congress party have consistently indicated that Siddaramaiah may step down as part of the internal power-sharing formula reportedly discussed after the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
The latest political developments have placed Karnataka’s ruling Congress government under intense public and media focus.
Senior Congress Leaders Continue Internal Consultations
Deshpande’s comments came after several senior Congress leaders and ministers visited Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru for consultations following his return from Delhi.
Political observers believe the meetings were aimed at discussing the leadership transition process and managing internal party coordination ahead of any formal announcement.
While Congress leaders have publicly maintained restraint in discussing succession plans, growing political signals indicate that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remains a key contender in any possible leadership reshuffle.
The Congress high command, however, has not officially confirmed any change in leadership so far.
Siddaramaiah Yet to Make Official Announcement
Despite mounting resignation speculation, Siddaramaiah himself has not yet formally announced his decision.
Earlier in the day, while speaking briefly to reporters after attending an event at Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister had stated that he would speak openly about the developments on Wednesday.
“I will speak about everything tomorrow,” Siddaramaiah had said.
The statement, combined with Deshpande’s latest remarks, has further fuelled expectations of a major political announcement in Karnataka.
As political suspense deepens, attention now remains focused on Siddaramaiah’s next move and the Congress party’s official stand regarding the state leadership transition.
