State insiders say the party’s top brass — including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi — will meet in Delhi to examine factions vying for control, trying to arrive at a decision that could shape the state’s political direction. Several senior leaders and MLAs aligned with Shivakumar have reportedly camped in the national capital, pushing for him to assume the top post after the halfway mark of the government’s five-year term.
The controversy traces back to what many in the party allege was an informal agreement made in 2023. That pact supposedly promised that Siddaramaiah would lead as Chief Minister initially, with Shivakumar stepping in midway through the term. As the halfway point was met in November 2025, pressure for honouring the deal intensified. Supporters of both leaders in the state have mobilised openly, urging the high command either to allow Siddaramaiah to complete the five-year term or to elevate Shivakumar as per the understanding.
Amid growing uncertainty, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held a breakfast meeting at the former’s Bengaluru residence. Both emerged projecting unity and pledged to abide by whatever choice the high command makes. Officials accompanying them left Delhi subsequently, signalling their intent to leave the matter to national leadership.
Political analysts note the public display of solidarity may merely be a pause rather than a resolution. Behind the optics, deep divisions continue to simmer within the state party unit. Observers suggest that the high command faces a delicate balancing act — between Siddaramaiah’s supporters, who argue for continuity and stability, and Shivakumar’s camp, which insists on upholding the earlier agreement and rewarding his political contribution.
Voices from outside the Congress have reacted with derision. One opposition party described the breakfast meeting as a superficial act aimed at postponing the inevitable, accusing the ruling party of putting internal wrangling ahead of governance on issues such as agrarian distress and public welfare.
Meanwhile, state-level party manoeuvring has increased. Some MLAs from the Kolar district have been meeting Shivakumar, fuelling speculation of building a broader consensus for leadership transition. In parallel, supporters of Siddaramaiah — including influential social-community groups — have rallied to publicly back his continuation.