The speculation has persisted since the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term. Photo: PTI
Karnataka CM speculation grows ahead of Siddaramaiah's breakfast meet
Siddaramaiah will host Karnataka ministers for breakfast amid growing speculation over a Congress leadership change after key Delhi meetings
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to host his cabinet colleagues for breakfast on Thursday (May 28) amid continuing speculation over a possible leadership change in the Congress government, with the meeting drawing attention following recent discussions between state leaders and the party high command in Delhi.
Delhi talks fuel buzz
The breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah’s official residence comes as reports of a possible transition in leadership have intensified after Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held marathon discussions with senior Congress leaders in the national capital earlier this week.
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While the party has not officially confirmed any leadership change, political circles in the state have remained focused on developments surrounding the issue.
Rotation formula back in focus
The speculation has persisted since the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term and has gathered pace in recent days amid reports linked to a "rotational chief minister formula" that was widely discussed after the government was formed in 2023, though never officially confirmed by the party.
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Shivakumar, who is currently in Delhi, had initially been scheduled to return to Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon. However, he later revised his programme and is now expected to return on Thursday. He is also likely to attend the breakfast meeting.
Echoes of earlier meetings
The two leaders had hosted similar breakfast meetings late last year during a period of political uncertainty within the party over the leadership issue. Those meetings were seen as attempts to ease tensions over the ongoing tussle.
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Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi said nothing could be said until there was an official announcement and indicated that more clarity may emerge after Thursday’s meeting.
Awaiting clarity from CM
"Officially, nothing has been said, but still speculations are making rounds. Depending on whatever the CM says at the breakfast meeting tomorrow, things will be confirmed and a full stop can be put (to speculations)," Jarkiholi said.
"We are not aware as to what direction the high command has given to the CM... we will get to know at the breakfast meeting. Let's wait till tomorrow," he added.
(With agency inputs)