Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande claimed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may resign soon after honouring a commitment to the Congress high command. Political uncertainty intensified in Karnataka as senior leaders held crucial meetings in Bengaluru amid growing speculation over leadership change.
Fresh political uncertainty gripped Karnataka on Wednesday after senior Congress leader and nine-time MLA R. V. Deshpande claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may soon step down from office in order to honour a commitment allegedly made to the Congress high command.
The statement triggered intense discussions within political circles and further strengthened speculation surrounding a possible leadership change in the Karnataka government. The remarks came at a time when the ruling Congress party is already facing growing internal debate over the future leadership of the state.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after meeting Siddaramaiah, Deshpande stated that the Chief Minister had already indicated his willingness to resign and had conveyed the same message to party legislators. According to Deshpande, Siddaramaiah had urged MLAs to remain calm and continue supporting the party during the ongoing uncertainty.
Deshpande said Siddaramaiah informed legislators that he had made a promise to the Congress high command and intended to honour that assurance. He further remarked that the Chief Minister appeared firm in his decision and could resign as early as Thursday.
The senior Congress leader also disclosed that he had personally advised Siddaramaiah to continue as Chief Minister considering the current political situation in the state. However, he stated that Siddaramaiah maintained that he was bound by his commitment to the party leadership and therefore prepared to step down if required.
The development has intensified political activity in Bengaluru, where several senior Congress leaders have been holding discussions regarding the future course of action. Adding to the speculation, AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru from Delhi along with Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi and other prominent Congress figures.
After arriving in Bengaluru, Satish Jarkiholi admitted that confusion existed within the party regarding the leadership issue. However, he expressed confidence that the Congress high command would eventually resolve the matter through internal consultations and discussions with senior leaders.
Sources within the Congress party indicated that several ministers and leaders considered close to Siddaramaiah have advised him against submitting his resignation immediately. Instead, they reportedly suggested that he seek a vote of confidence within the Congress Legislature Party to determine the level of support he continues to enjoy among MLAs.
Political observers believe the ongoing uncertainty could significantly impact the Congress government in Karnataka, especially as opposition parties continue to closely monitor developments within the ruling camp. The lack of an official statement from the Congress high command has further fuelled speculation over whether a leadership transition is already under discussion behind closed doors.
Despite repeated claims and counterclaims by various party leaders, the Congress leadership has not yet made any formal announcement regarding a change in the Chief Minister’s post. As a result, suspense continues over Siddaramaiah’s political future and the possible direction the Karnataka government may take in the coming days.
| Also Read: Govt Launches Powerful Panel to Stop Illegal Demographic Shifts |
With senior leaders camping in Bengaluru and discussions intensifying within the party, Karnataka politics now appears headed toward a crucial turning point that could reshape the state’s political landscape in the near future.
