Bengaluru, May 27: Amid rising speculations about a leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President DK Shivakumar will meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for breakfast on Thursday. This meeting has intensified discussions regarding the state’s political landscape.
Shivakumar’s office confirmed the meeting on Wednesday. It is scheduled to take place at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’, in Bengaluru on Thursday, May 28.
According to the official statement, Shivakumar will depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at 5 AM and is expected to arrive in Bengaluru by 8:30 AM. Upon arrival, he will head directly to the Chief Minister’s residence for the 9 AM meeting.
Sources indicate that a joint press conference may follow the meeting, where both leaders could clarify the ongoing speculations about the leadership change.
Notably, a similar ‘breakfast diplomacy’ meeting took place in December 2025 between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at Shivakumar’s residence, where traditional dishes like ‘Nati Koli’ (local chicken), idli, dosa, and coffee were served. At that time, the Congress leadership aimed to project unity amid discussions about a potential change in the Chief Minister’s position and power-sharing arrangements.
Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala is also set to arrive in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Officially, his visit is linked to the Greater Bengaluru Authority elections, but insiders suggest he is there to facilitate a smooth power transition.
Reports suggest that Rahul Gandhi has urged Siddaramaiah to step down to pave the way for Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah’s camp claims he is willing to resign, acknowledging Rahul Gandhi’s significant role in his previous appointment as Chief Minister. However, supporters and close allies of Siddaramaiah are opposing this decision, insisting he should remain in office.
It is reported that the Congress leadership has proposed giving Siddaramaiah a significant role in national politics while considering appointing his son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, as Deputy Chief Minister. Additionally, there are discussions about creating three or four Deputy Chief Minister positions to ensure representation for various communities.
Sources also indicate that Siddaramaiah may hold a dinner meeting with ministers and legislators before stepping down. A formal announcement is expected on Thursday in the presence of Congress General Secretary (Organization) KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is participating in two events commemorating the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Despite the ongoing discussions about leadership change, there have been no alterations to his schedule.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s supporters have begun celebrating his potential ascension to the Chief Minister’s position by putting up posters and sharing messages on social media.
However, the party has yet to issue any official statement regarding the leadership change.
It is also noteworthy that the Congress leadership attempted to downplay the ongoing crisis within the Karnataka Congress and the leadership dispute between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
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