Karnataka poised for high-stakes leadership showdown, marking a major shift in political landscape

Bengaluru: As speculation swirls over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, senior Congress leaders M. Veerappa Moily and Basavaraju V. Shivaganga have thrown their weight behind Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS), making a strong case for his elevation to the State’s top post.

Speaking at a public event in Udupi, Moily reminisced about his role in Shivakumar’s political rise. “I was the one who secured his first MLA ticket. Today, he stands as one of Karnataka’s most influential leaders. We all want to see him as Chief Minister soon,” said the former CM.

Moily also dismissed criticisms against Shivakumar, calling them politically motivated. “Some may target him for personal reasons, but that does not diminish his contributions. His rise to the Chief Minister’s position is not something that needs to be granted — it is something he has earned,” he asserted.

Echoing Moily’s sentiments, Channagiri MLA Basavaraju Shivaganga went a step further, asserting that Shivakumar’s ascension was inevitable and would happen by December 2025.

“Write it down, it will happen by December. If you need, I can even write it in blood — D.K. Shivakumar will become Chief Minister by then,” Shivaganga boldly stated.

He further claimed that Shivakumar would hold the Chief Minister’s office for the next 7.5 years, indicating confidence in Congress’s ability to retain power in the 2028 Assembly elections.

“Once he takes charge, he will continue to lead for the next full term as well,” Shivaganga                   told reporters.

The Channagiri MLA credited Shivakumar for revitalising the Congress in Karnataka, particularly by increasing its seat tally in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He emphasised that the party High Command was fully aware of Shivakumar’s contributions and the sentiment among leaders and workers.

“He has invested his resources, sacrificed a lot and organised the party from the grassroots level. His silence or composure should not be mistaken for weakness. The High Command knows everything and I am 100 percent certain he will be CM by December,” Shivaganga added.

The buzz around a potential transition has been growing within Congress circles, especially since the intense battle for the CM post following the party’s victory in May 2023.

While Siddaramaiah ultimately took charge, there were murmurs of a “rotational Chief Minister” arrangement, with Shivakumar expected to take over midway. However, Congress has never officially confirmed such  a deal.

When asked about the possibility of a leadership change, Siddaramaiah remained non-committal, stating in February, “It is for the High Command to decide.” His response, while diplomatic, has done little to quell speculation that a transition could be on the horizon. If the supposed power-sharing deal is indeed real, December 2025 could mark a major shift in Karnataka’s political landscape.