Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived in New Delhi on Monday along with state Home Minister G. Parameshwara, after being summoned by the Congress leadership. The two leaders were seen arriving at the Delhi airport, where Siddaramaiah briefly spoke to reporters about the purpose of his visit.
Responding to questions on the agenda of the meeting, the Chief Minister said he was travelling to the national capital at the invitation of the party leadership and was not aware of the specific issues to be discussed. “The high command called me, so I have come. I don't know the subject matter of the meeting. Venugopal ji invited me for the meeting, and I have come,” Siddaramaiah said.
Siddaramaiah's statement made it clear that he had not been formally informed about the details of the meeting beforehand.
The Congress high command's decision to call Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Delhi has once again fuelled speculation about a possible leadership transition in the state.
Since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023, political circles have been abuzz with reports of an informal power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, under which the chief minister's post would rotate midway through the term.
Although the party has never publicly confirmed the existence of such an agreement, the speculation has persisted due to the strong claims both leaders had to the top job after the election victory.
Siddaramaiah was seen as the party's mass leader, backed by the influential AHINDA social coalition and extensive administrative experience. Shivakumar, on the other hand, was widely credited for steering the organisation, mobilising resources, and keeping the Congress united during its years out of power.
Following intense deliberations and negotiations in Delhi, the party ultimately chose Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, while Shivakumar accepted the role of Deputy Chief Minister.
