Bengaluru: Karnataka moved toward a major political transition on Wednesday after reports emerged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has decided to step down, opening the door for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the leadership of the state. The developments created intense political excitement across Karnataka, with emotional scenes unfolding at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bengaluru.
One of the most talked about moments of the day came when DK Shivakumar publicly bowed before Siddaramaiah and touched his feet during a breakfast meeting between the two senior Congress leaders. The gesture, seen as a mark of deep respect, quickly spread across television channels and social media platforms, symbolising what many believe is the beginning of a new phase in Karnataka politics.
According to reports from party sources, Siddaramaiah informed close colleagues and senior Congress leaders about his decision after discussions with the Congress high command in New Delhi. Though the party has not yet issued a formal statement confirming the leadership change, strong indications suggest that DK Shivakumar is expected to become the next Chief Minister soon.
The Congress government in Karnataka has witnessed months of speculation regarding a possible power sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Ever since the Congress returned to power in the 2023 Assembly elections, rumours persisted that the leadership would eventually be handed over to Shivakumar after Siddaramaiah completed part of his term.
On Wednesday morning, political activity increased sharply in Bengaluru as ministers, legislators and party workers gathered around the Chief Minister’s residence and the offices of senior Congress leaders. Supporters of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar raised slogans praising the two leaders and appealed for unity within the party.
The relationship between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has often attracted public attention because both leaders command strong support within the Congress party. Siddaramaiah is widely respected for his mass appeal among backward communities, minorities and Dalits, while Shivakumar is recognised as one of the party’s strongest organisers and strategists in Karnataka.
During his tenure as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah introduced several welfare schemes aimed at supporting women, poor families and unemployed youth. These programmes became a major reason behind the Congress party’s victory in the state elections. Many Congress workers believe Siddaramaiah’s leadership helped rebuild the party’s confidence after earlier political setbacks.
At the same time, DK Shivakumar earned praise for strengthening the party organisation across Karnataka. He played a crucial role in uniting Congress leaders during difficult periods and was considered one of the key architects behind the party’s successful election campaign in 2023. His supporters have long demanded that he should be given an opportunity to lead the government.
The emotional exchange between the two leaders on Wednesday appeared to send a strong message that the transition would happen peacefully and without public conflict. Political observers said the Congress leadership is trying to avoid internal divisions that could weaken the government ahead of future elections.
Even though Siddaramaiah’s resignation has become the centre of political discussions, party leaders have continued to maintain caution in their public statements. Senior Congress leaders said any official announcement regarding the change in leadership would be made by the party high command at the appropriate time.
For many people in Karnataka, the images of Shivakumar bowing before Siddaramaiah reflected not just political change, but also a rare public display of respect between two powerful leaders. As the state now waits for formal confirmation, all eyes remain on Bengaluru where Congress appears to be preparing for a significant transfer of power.