Karnataka CM news highlights: Senior Congress leader RV Deshpande claims Karnataka CM 'has decided to resign'

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Karnataka CM news LIVE: A change of guard in the three-year-old Karnataka government seems imminent with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking the Governor's appointment, a day after he was apparently asked by the party high command to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar's elevation to the top post, but chose to speak on the matter on Thursday.

On a day he is likely to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, apparently to tender his resignation, the 77-year-old veteran on Thursday will also host his cabinet colleagues, including Shivakumar, for breakfast.

As the political heat rises in the southern state in anticipation of a new CM, AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala clarified that the Congress has not called for a meeting of its legislature party in the state and that no other decision has been taken yet. He requested the media not to speculate on the issue.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Congress MLA Ashok M Pattan on Wednesday said that there is a possibility that the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah might file his resignation on Thursday, underlining that he has already taken an appointment with the Governor.

This comes a day after the Congress leadership seemed to be inclined towards a leadership change in Karnataka

Speaking to ANI, he emphasised that the decision regarding the next Chief Minister will be taken by the High Command.

"We went to the CM's house. I think CM may give his resignation tomorrow after 3 PM. He has already taken an appointment with the Governor. About the next CM, the high command will decide. Surjewala is here already. Most probably, DK Shivakumar will be the CM. Whatever the high command tells, they will obey," he said.

He further expressed hope in getting a position in the new cabinet, "I am ready to take a ministry post, but they should give it to me first. That is a problem. I think I may get that. I am also keeping hope that I may get included in the new cabinet."

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Senior Congress MLA and Chairperson of the Administrative Reforms Commission R V Deshpande on Wednesday said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told him he had decided to resign.

The former minister, who met Siddaramaiah at his residence, said that when some MLAs insisted he should not resign, the CM replied that he had given his word to the high command and would respect it.

According to sources, a number of ministers and legislators met Siddaramaiah at his residence and held discussions with him.

They insisted he should not resign and said they would discuss the matter with the party high command.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Amid speculation about a change of chief minister, AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala clarified on Wednesday that the Congress has not called a meeting of its legislature party in the state and no other decision has been taken yet.

He requested the media not to speculate on the issue.

Asserting that the party will make decisions not in favour of individuals but in favour of Karnataka, he said the Congress is capable of deciding its leadership matters and would inform the public whenever any decision is taken.

"Currently, no meeting of the legislature party has been called by the Congress party. No other decision has yet been taken. As things evolve, we will inform you. I cannot tell you what will happen after one month, 20 days, tomorrow, six months or one year-that is speculation," Surjewala said.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar broke into celebration in many parts of Karnataka on Wednesday amid intense speculation over a possible change of guard in the state.

Firecrackers were burst and sweets distributed outside Shivakumar's residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, as well as in Ramanagara, the district headquarters of Bengaluru South.

The sudden show of support came amid speculation in political circles that Siddaramaiah may resign on Thursday, potentially paving the way for his deputy Shivakumar to take over as chief minister.

Speaking to reporters, a Shivakumar supporter described him as a strong and decisive leader, citing his performance in the 2023 Assembly elections.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Senior Congress MLA and Chairperson of the Administrative Reforms Commission R V Deshpande on Wednesday said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told him he had decided to resign.

The former minister, who met Siddaramaiah at his residence, said that when some MLAs insisted he should not resign, the CM replied that he had given his word to the high command and would respect it.

According to sources, a number of ministers and legislators met Siddaramaiah at his residence and held discussions with him.

They insisted he should not resign and said they would discuss the matter with the party high command.

As per reports, some even suggested the matter be discussed at a legislature party meeting, but Siddaramaiah did not respond positively to any such suggestions.

"I was with the CM. He said, 'I have decided to resign.' He has decided to resign. I did not question him about why he was resigning. We tried to persuade him, saying, 'Why don't you continue?'" Deshpande said.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Apparently asked to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar's elevation in lines with a 2023 "rotational formula", Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to host his cabinet colleagues for breakfast on Thursday, and may also call on the Governor with his resignation.

Keeping up the suspense, the 77 year-old veteran leader refused to comment on the raging speculations on Wednesday and said he would comment on the matter a day later.

Speculations of a change of guard have been intense in the wake of the party's top brass having had marathon discussions with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in Delhi on Tuesday, with reports inidcating the transition of power is very much likely now. The issue has been dominating Karnataka's political discourse since last year, gaining momentum ahead of November 20 when the government crossed its half way mark of two-and-a half years. (PTI)

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Amid mounting speculation over what happens next to the Congress leadership in Karnataka, state minister G Parameshwara shared a big update, saying the confusion would be cleared by Thursday, May 28.

Buzz of a power tussle is a recurring subject in Karnataka's politics ever since the Congress won the elections in 2023. Reports suggest chief minister Siddaramaiah may be all set to vacate the post, but there is no clarity on who would succeed him. Follow live updates on Karnataka leadership change buzz here.

The rumours were fueled afresh on Tuesday as Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi and met top Congress leadership in the city. Sharing an update on what transpired in the meeting, Parameshwara told the media: “No one knows what was discussed inside. We have no information yet.”

Karnataka CM news LIVE: AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala said no Legislature Party meeting has been called yet and no decision has been taken so far.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Chief minister Siddaramaiah is hosting a breakfast meet for his cabinet on Thursday, where he is likely to break suspense on leadership change.

He is also likely to call Governor with his resignation.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Amid the ongoing leadership tussle within the ruling Indian National Congress in Karnataka, BJP MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the state government, alleging that the administration had "collapsed" under Congress rule.

In an interview with ANI, Bommai claimed that governance and development work in the state had come to a standstill and said the leadership change speculation within Congress reflected instability in the ruling party.

He further alleged that the problems in governance began from the time CM Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister and would continue even if Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar takes over.

"The Administration in Karnataka has collapsed. No development work is being done. The people are suffering. I don't think DK Shivakumar has a magic wand to change this. The deterioration which started at the time of Siddaramaiah will continue with Shivakumar. By the end of their term, the govt will be in shambles, and the State will be in a poor condition," said Bommai.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Amid mounting speculation over what happens next to the Congress leadership in Karnataka, state minister G Parameshwara shared a big update, saying the confusion would be cleared by Thursday, May 28.

Buzz of a power tussle is a recurring subject in Karnataka's politics ever since the Congress won the elections in 2023. Reports suggest chief minister Siddaramaiah may be all set to vacate the post, but there is no clarity on who would succeed him. Follow live updates on Karnataka leadership change buzz here.

The rumours were fueled afresh on Tuesday as Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi and met top Congress leadership in the city. Sharing an update on what transpired in the meeting, Parameshwara told the media: “No one knows what was discussed inside. We have no information yet.” Read full report here.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE:Taking a dig at the ruling Congress in Karnataka over its internal leadership tussle, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly R Ashoka on Tuesday claimed that the ongoing power struggle has pushed the government into a "coma stage".

Alleging that the administration has "completely collapsed," the BJP leader said the Congress high command is too "weak" to resolve the power tussle between CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar.

His comments came even as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are meeting the Congress high command in New Delhi amid buzz over a CM change in Karnataka.

"The CM had said that Ministers will have to tour districts once in 15 days, but the CM himself is not following it. No one is touring their district to address public grievances, everyone is on a Delhi tour... It was said that grievance redressal meetings are not being held. Everyone is on a Delhi tour," Ashoka said.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Amid intense speculations of a change of guard in the state in the next two days, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought time from Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for an appointment on May 28, sources in the CMO said on Wednesday.

Speculations are rife that Siddaramaiah would resign on Thursday paving way for his deputy D K Shivakumar to become the next CM of Karnataka.

"Yes, he has sought time to meet the Governor tomorrow," a highly placed source close to the chief minister told PTI.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that discussions with the Congress high command will be addressed tomorrow, amid continuing speculation surrounding a possible leadership change in the Karnataka Congress.

Siddaramaiah made the remarks after paying floral tribute to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 62nd death anniversary at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

"After the independence of this country, he was the first Prime Minister. For 17 years, he was the Prime Minister of this country and served the people of this country. He was a socialist and a capitalist," he told the reporters after paying the tribute.

When asked specifically about talks with the party high command, Siddaramaiah said, "We will talk about it tomorrow."

The remarks come as Siddaramaiah is set to hold a key breakfast meeting with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at his official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru on Thursday, a development being closely watched amid recurring discussions around leadership transition within the ruling Congress. (ANI)

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Apparently asked to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar's elevation in lines with a 2023 "rotational formula", Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to host his cabinet colleagues for breakfast on Thursday, and may also call on the Governor with his resignation.

Keeping up the suspense, the 77 year-old veteran leader refused to comment on the raging speculations on Wednesday and said he would comment on the matter a day later.

Speculations of a change of guard have been intense in the wake of the party's top brass having had marathon discussions with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in Delhi on Tuesday, with reports inidcating the transition of power is very much likely now. The issue has been dominating Karnataka's political discourse since last year, gaining momentum ahead of November 20 when the government crossed its half way mark of two-and-a half years. (PTI)

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Amid speculation of leadership change in Karnataka, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra on Wednesday claimed that the Congress high command's possible "decision" was to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after concluding that the state government had "failed" to provide good governance during the last three years.

He also predicted mid-term Assembly elections in the state irrespective of who becomes the next chief minister.

"The Congress high command has today acknowledged that the party government led by Siddaramaiah has failed to provide good governance during the last three years, and has therefore decided to change the chief minister," he told reporters here in Shivamogga.

After marathon meetings in Delhi yesterday, a decision has finally been taken that Siddaramaiah should resign, he claimed.

Vijayendra said the issue was not about who would become the next CM, but about the condition of the state administration. (PTI)

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Wednesday hit out at Congress amid the mounting speculation of a probable state leadership change, alleging that the party is "seeing its last days in the country".

Speaking to reporters here, he alleged that the Karnataka government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has incurred a much hefty debt in comparison to the other southern Indian states, calling it an "anti-people government".

Claiming that the internal rift in Congress has led to the downfall of the state administration, Vijayendra said that whoever becomes the CM will be "temporary".

"A meeting (Congress) was held in Delhi for 5 hours. The overall effect is that Congress is seeing its last days in the country. There is a clear prediction that Congress is heading towards a decline in the state. It does not matter who becomes the CM. I have no personal enmity towards CM Siddaramaiah. If you compare it to the states of South India, CM has incurred a debt of ₹10 lakh crore in the state. The administration had completely collapsed due to internal strife. This is an anti-people government. If CM Siddaramaiah resigns, and whoever becomes the CM, it will be temporary. No one can stop the early elections in the state," he said. (ANI)

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Amid mounting speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, state BJP president BY Vijayendra on Wednesday said that the party is “seeing its last days in the country,” news agency ANI reported.

Speaking to reporters, he alleged that the Karnataka government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has incurred a much hefty debt in comparison to the other southern Indian states, calling it an "anti-people government".

"A meeting (Congress) was held in Delhi for 5 hours. The overall effect is that Congress is seeing its last days in the country. There is a clear prediction that Congress is heading towards a decline in the state. It does not matter who becomes the CM. I have no personal enmity towards CM Siddaramaiah. If you compare it to the states of South India, CM has incurred a debt of ₹10 lakh crore in the state. The administration had completely collapsed due to internal strife. This is an anti-people government. If CM Siddaramaiah resigns, and whoever becomes the CM, it will be temporary. No one can stop the early elections in the state," he said.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission met on Wednesday to discuss submitting its social, educational and economic survey report to the state government, news agency PTI reported citing sources.

The meeting comes amid heightened political speculation in the state over a possible change of guard in Karnataka.

According to sources, the meeting—which was originally expected to be held in the next three to four days—was advanced to Wednesday.

The report is considered significant as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political base has largely revolved around the ‘AHINDA’ coalition (minorities, backward classes and Dalits).

Sources said the chief minister may give his approval to the commission’s report.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: On Karnataka CM tussle row, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “Tomorrow the CM has called all the ministers for a meeting to brief about what happened in Delhi…once we come to know what discussions were held, we will be going by whatever the high command has said… Whatever the party does, we consider everyone’s opinion…there is no dissidence or difference in the Congress, all of us have been working together…there has been no problem in governance or implementation of programs…Karnataka is successful, we are among the leading states in the country…this is a party issue, and the party will take a suitable decision…”

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Amid the ongoing leadership tussle within the ruling Indian National Congress in Karnataka, BJP MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the state government, alleging that the administration had "collapsed" under Congress rule.

In an interview with ANI, Bommai claimed that governance and development work in the state had come to a standstill and said the leadership change speculation within Congress reflected instability in the ruling party.

He further alleged that the problems in governance began from the time CM Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister and would continue even if Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar takes over.

"The Administration in Karnataka has collapsed. No development work is being done. The people are suffering. I don't think DK Shivakumar has a magic wand to change this. The deterioration which started at the time of Siddaramaiah will continue with Shivakumar. By the end of their term, the govt will be in shambles, and the State will be in a poor condition," said Bommai.

Karnataka power tussle LIVE: Amid speculation of leadership change in Karnataka, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra on Wednesday claimed that the Congress high command's possible "decision" was to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after concluding that the state government had "failed" to provide good governance during the last three years.