The Congress leadership’s latest meetings with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar have once again pushed Karnataka’s unresolved succession battle into focus, nearly three years after the party returned to power in the state. The political buzz intensified this week after both leaders travelled to Delhi for separate meetings with senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, amid speculation over a possible leadership transition. Congress publicly dismissed reports of any power struggle. “There is only speculation, no reality at all,” party leaders said on the Karnataka CM issue. Source: Times of India Power struggle began immediately after 2023 election win The battle over Karnataka’s top post began soon after Congress defeated the BJP in the May 2023 Assembly elections.Also Read: Karnataka leadership tussle- Siddaramaiah to meet DK Shivakumar over breakfast tomorrow While Siddaramaiah emerged as the party’s strongest mass leader and administrative face, Shivakumar was credited with rebuilding the Congress organisation in Karnataka and helping engineer the electoral comeback.Congress held consultations with newly elected MLAs immediately after the election results before the high command stepped in to resolve the leadership issue. The Congress leadership eventually picked Siddaramaiah as chief minister and Shivakumar as deputy CM after days of negotiations in Delhi. Soon after the government formation, speculation began over an alleged “2.5-year formula” under which Shivakumar was expected to eventually take over midway through the government’s term. Congress never officially confirmed such an arrangement, but the issue continued to shadow the government from its first year in office. Rift widened as both camps consolidated support The internal divide sharpened over the next two years as leaders aligned themselves with either Siddaramaiah or Shivakumar.Also Read: Congress mulls Karnataka CM change, Rahul Gandhi meets Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar By July 2025, the Congress high command had reportedly asked both camps to avoid public discussions on the leadership issue after repeated statements from ministers and MLAs intensified factional tensions. The issue escalated further in November 2025 when Siddaramaiah’s supporters reportedly held a breakfast meeting while Shivakumar loyalists gathered at another venue to demonstrate political strength within the legislature party.In March 2026, discussions around the leadership transition gained fresh momentum after the Congress government completed nearly half its term in office.Siddaramaiah repeatedly rejects transition talk Siddaramaiah has consistently denied suggestions of stepping aside and maintained that he intends to complete a full five-year term. “Is there any vacancy for chief ministership? I am very much here before you. I am the chief minister of Karnataka,” Siddaramaiah said earlier while dismissing speculation over leadership change. He also rejected reports of any rotational arrangement. “There is no 50-50 formula,” Siddaramaiah said. On another occasion, Siddaramaiah said, “No discussion took place (on CM position), that is my reply.” His supporters have argued that changing the chief minister midway could destabilise the government and weaken Congress politically ahead of future elections.Shivakumar camp keeps pressure alive Shivakumar’s supporters, meanwhile, have consistently maintained that he made a sacrifice in 2023 for party unity and deserves the top post eventually. The deputy CM has largely avoided directly confronting Siddaramaiah in public, but his comments have often kept the succession debate alive. “Whatever decision is taken by the high command, both of us will follow; we will obey it,” Shivakumar said earlier amid speculation over leadership change. The issue became more politically sensitive as ministers and legislators increasingly aligned with rival camps within the Congress legislature party.Delhi meetings reignite succession buzz The latest round of political activity began after the Karnataka government approached the halfway mark of its tenure, reviving speculation over whether Congress may finally move ahead with a transition formula. This week’s Delhi meetings reportedly focused on Karnataka leadership issues, cabinet reshuffle plans, Rajya Sabha nominations and internal faction management within the state unit. The Congress high command maintained status quo after back-to-back meetings with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar on May 26, 2026. At the same time, discussions within the party reportedly explored possible compromise formulas to avoid a Rajasthan-like factional crisis. One proposal under discussion involved offering Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha berth or a larger national role to facilitate Shivakumar’s elevation in Karnataka.Any official word on the same is awaited.Fresh Bengaluru meeting keeps uncertainty alive Political activity continued on Wednesday after Siddaramaiah scheduled a breakfast meeting with Shivakumar at his official residence in Bengaluru following the Delhi discussions. The meeting is being closely watched within Congress for signs of whether both leaders are moving toward a compromise or preparing for a prolonged internal confrontation. For Congress, Karnataka remains its most important government in southern India, making the leadership issue politically sensitive nationally. As of now, Siddaramaiah continues as chief minister and Shivakumar remains deputy CM. However, as per a PTI report, which cited sources, Siddaramaiah has sought time to meet Governor Gehlot on Thursday.After this week’s developments, the Karnataka leadership's battle for the throne has once again emerged as one of Congress’ biggest unresolved political challenges.