Amid speculations that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah will step down, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take the top post, Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad confirmed to THE WEEK that there will be a change in leadership.
A staunch supporter of Siddaramiah and the AHINDA movement, Hariprasad said, “There will be a change of guard. We will have to wait and watch what will happen to the AHINDA movement once that happens.”
A powerful socio-political movement aimed at uplifting marginalised communities, AHINDA has fundamentally reshaped the state's electoral dynamics. It is, in fact, an acronym representing three underprivileged groups: Alpasankhyataru (religious and linguistic minorities), HINDulidavaru (backward classes/OBCs) and DAlitaru (SCs and STs). It forms the core of Siddaramiah’s support base.
When asked whether he is likely to be part of the new cabinet, Hariprasad politely declined to comment on the matter and said he is not concerned about personal ambitions.
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Karnataka politics is currently abuzz with intense speculations over Siddaramaiah’s resignation in the coming days, with his deputy, Shivakumar, set to assume the chief minister's role. Reports suggest that the Congress high command had requested Siddaramaiah to facilitate a leadership transition in the state. In return, he was reportedly offered a central role within the party, which could include a Rajya Sabha seat.
Sources, however, indicate that Siddaramaiah has not yet formally accepted the offer.
Earlier, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala had dismissed reports of a leadership change, clarifying that the Congress has not called a meeting of its legislature party in the state.
"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 would be speculation," Surjewala said.
According to reports, a group of ministers and legislators had met Siddaramaiah at his residence and had strongly advised him to continue as the CM and suggested they would approach the party leadership to address the matter.