DK Shivakumar on Karnataka CM Race: “Nothing Decided Yet”, Decision to Be Taken by Congress High Command

Karnataka’s political landscape has entered a crucial phase of transition following the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with senior Congress leader and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar maintaining that no decision has yet been made regarding the next chief minister.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Shivakumar stressed that the final call would rest entirely with the party’s central leadership. He reiterated that the upcoming Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting would be the key platform where discussions on leadership transition would take place. According to him, all decisions would be taken in consultation with the high command, and until then, speculation remains premature.

“Everything is happening as requested by the high command. Nothing has been decided. Tomorrow we have called the CLP meeting, our central leaders have to come. We have to discuss with our high command,” Shivakumar said, underlining that all Congress MLAs in Karnataka have been asked to be present in Bengaluru for the meeting.

The CLP meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at 4 pm in the conference hall of Vidhana Soudha. It is expected to play a decisive role in selecting the next leader of the Congress Legislature Party, who would likely take over as the new chief minister. Party insiders indicate that the agenda will not be limited to leadership selection alone but will also include discussions on government structure, cabinet expansion, allocation of portfolios, and balancing internal factions within the state unit.

Siddaramaiah, who stepped down on Thursday, clarified that his resignation was voluntary and not the result of any external pressure. His exit has triggered widespread political discussion within the ruling party, with several leaders and observers suggesting that Shivakumar is the leading contender for the top post.

Adding to the speculation, former minister Madhu Bangarappa publicly suggested that Shivakumar’s elevation appears likely, calling the transition process smooth and crediting the party leadership for managing the change in an orderly manner. However, he also emphasized that the final decision lies entirely with the Congress high command.

Within the party, the leadership transition is being closely watched, as it is expected to influence not only the composition of the new council of ministers but also the broader power balance in Karnataka politics. While Shivakumar remains cautious in his public statements, political signals from within the Congress suggest that the final announcement may soon bring clarity to the leadership question.