Political buzz around a possible leadership change in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attended a crucial meeting with top Congress leaders in Delhi. The high-level discussion took place at Indira Bhavan and included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. Photographs released by the Chief Minister’s Office showing Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in serious discussion further fuelled speculation about internal power-sharing talks within the party.

Sources claimed that separate discussions with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar were also planned after the meeting with Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar has long been viewed as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post, while Siddaramaiah has repeatedly stated that he wants to complete his full term but would ultimately follow the party high command’s decision. At the same time, leaders from Siddaramaiah’s camp reportedly pushed for Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s name in case a leadership change becomes inevitable, highlighting growing factional dynamics within the Karnataka Congress.

Senior Congress leaders arriving in Delhi added further weight to the ongoing speculation. Ministers and party leaders held meetings at Karnataka Bhavan before heading to Indira Bhavan, while several leaders openly admitted that confusion regarding leadership has existed within the party for months. Although some Congress leaders publicly denied any official discussion about replacing the Chief Minister, statements from party insiders suggested that crucial decisions regarding Karnataka’s political future may soon reach a final stage.