Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed he will meet the Congress high command in Delhi as speculation over a leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle intensifies.
May 25, 2026: Siddaramaiah on Monday confirmed that he has been called to Delhi by the Congress leadership for a meeting scheduled on May 26, amid growing speculation over a possible leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal informed him about the meeting over a phone call on Sunday night. “I’m invited to Delhi. Tomorrow there is a meeting at 11 am. I don’t know the subject,” he said.
The development has reignited political buzz surrounding Karnataka’s leadership issue, with supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar continuing to push for his elevation as chief minister. The demand is linked to reports of a power-sharing arrangement allegedly discussed after the Congress victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly maintained that he intends to complete a full five-year term, while also stating that he would follow any decision taken by the party high command.
At the same time, pressure has mounted within the Congress for a Cabinet reshuffle, as several MLAs seek ministerial positions. According to party insiders, Siddaramaiah is open to a reshuffle, whereas Shivakumar reportedly wants clarity on the leadership question first. The Karnataka Cabinet currently has three vacant positions following the resignation of B Nagendra over alleged embezzlement charges, the removal of KN Rajanna and the death of minister D Sudhakar. Congress leaders are concerned that continued uncertainty could impact governance and hurt the party’s prospects ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.