‘No claimants to CM post, DK Shivakumar to take charge’: Congress Leader M C Sudhakar amid leadership transition

BENGALURU: Congress leader M C Sudhakar on Saturday said that there are “no claimants” to the leadership in the state unit, adding that outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clearly indicated that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will take up the responsibility and has extended his full support.

Sudhakar said, “There are no claimants, it was very clear and our Outgoing CM has very categorically mentioned that DK Shivakumar is going to take up the responsibility and he has extended his whole-hearted support and he has vowed that he will work together and see that the party comes to power once again in 2028.”

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Congress leader M.C. Sudhakar says, “…There are no claimants, it was very clear and our Outgoing CM has very categorically mentioned that DK Shivakumar is going to take up the responsibility and he has extended his whole-hearted support and he has… pic.twitter.com/lPfcB6waGz

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2026

Siddaramaiah had stepped down on May 28, stating that his resignation was voluntary and based on the suggestion of the party high command.

The development comes amid continued internal discussions in the Karnataka Congress, during which Shivakumar had recently met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi over issues including legislative leadership, Rajya Sabha nominations and organisational appointments in the state.

Following this, the Karnataka Congress is set to hold a crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru today at 4 PM amid ongoing organisational deliberations, leadership speculation, and continued political sparring over the internal dynamics of the ruling party.

The CLP meeting comes after Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers with immediate effect. However, Siddaramaiah has been asked to continue as Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.

Earlier on Friday, Karnataka Congress president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the CLP meeting will be held in Bengaluru in the presence of party observers, who will later consult the Congress high command before a final decision is taken on leadership and organisational matters.

He further clarified that decisions regarding Rajya Sabha nominations and other organisational appointments, including MLCs, rest entirely with the party leadership in New Delhi. (ANI)