Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pays tribute to the statue of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his 62nd death anniversary, at state Legislative Assembly premises, in Bengaluru on May 27, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
In his first interaction with the media after his New Delhi visit, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, refused to entertain pointed questions on leadership change in the State. In a one-liner, he said on Wednesday (May 27, 2026), “I will speak tomorrow.” He is to hold a breakfast meeting with his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday (May 28) after which he is expected to announce his decision.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his aides Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and legal advisor A.S. Ponnanna. He was speaking after offering floral tributes to first Prime Minister of India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on his anniversary here.
The Chief Minister was in New Delhi on Tuesday (May 26) and held marathon meetings with the party high command. A key issue on the table was the leadership change in Karnataka, which has been widely debated in the State ever since the government crossed its half-term mark in November 2025. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who was also in New Delhi, has been a key contender for the post.
Meanwhile, Congress sources indicated that the Congress Legislative Party meeting, where the likely successor of Mr. Siddaramaiah could be named or elected, is likely to held on Friday (May 28).
What Home Minister said
Eaarlier in the day, indicating that the Congress High Command’s decision on leadership will be cleared on May 27, Home Minister G. Parameshwar told presspersons that the decision would be conveyed by Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala on May 28.
“Mr. Surjewala and (Congress General Secretary – Organisation) K.C. Venugopal will be coming to Bengaluru today (Tuesday, May 26).” On asked if he was a contender for Chief Minister’s post, Mr. Parameshwar said, “It is irrelevant now. We will accept the decision of the high command. All along we have said that we will abide by the decision of the high command.”
When asked if Mr. Siddaramaiah had conveyed to him the details of deliberations during their return flight or during dinner meeting on Tuesday (May 26) at Delhi, the Home Minister said, “We went with him and came back with him. He has not said anything. We went to the residence of (Energy Minister) K.J. George to have dinner.”
Published – May 27, 2026 02:59 pm IST
