Satish Jarkiholi, Minister for Public Works Department (PWD) and a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said on Wednesday, 27 May that all speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka would be resolved after the breakfast meeting convened by the Chief Minister on Thursday morning. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Jarkiholi stressed that every party member must accept the roles and responsibilities assigned by the Congress high command.

What Jarkiholi Said

Jarkiholi was candid about the uncertainty swirling within the party. 'We do not know what Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is going to say, and we also do not know what directions have been given by the high command. We will wait until tomorrow,' he told reporters.

He confirmed he had not spoken to Siddaramaiah since the Chief Minister's meeting with high command leaders in Delhi on Tuesday. 'We stayed back at Karnataka Bhavan, whereas Siddaramaiah went directly to the airport and reached Bengaluru. We will meet him either today or tomorrow morning,' he said. He added that no official statement had been issued yet and that he would share his opinion only after one was.

Jarkiholi on KPCC Presidency and Deputy CM Post

On reports that his name was being considered for the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, Jarkiholi said it remained a discussion at this stage and that no one had officially approached him. 'When they speak to me, I will share my opinion and convey what would be comfortable for us,' he said, adding that he was open to taking up the responsibility if formally offered.

Asked whether he would accept the post of Deputy Chief Minister if offered, Jarkiholi reiterated that party leaders must abide by high command decisions. 'Everyone has to agree to the positions and responsibilities assigned by the party,' he stated.

Bangarappa Cancels Programmes, Heads to Bengaluru

Minister for School Education and Literacy Madhu Bangarappa, reacting to the developments from Shivamogga, said he had no information about any change in the Chief Minister's post. 'The high command will take a decision regarding the change of Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah has called a breakfast meeting tomorrow. I am cancelling all my programmes and travelling to Bengaluru,' he said, confirming he would attend the meeting. He noted that Siddaramaiah's scheduled programme in Shivamogga might also be cancelled given the evolving political situation.

Shivakumar in Delhi, Surjewala Arrives in Bengaluru

Amid the intensifying speculation, Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar remained in Delhi on Wednesday, holding meetings with national Congress leaders, before the scheduled breakfast meeting with CM Siddaramaiah on Thursday. Separately, Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Officially, his visit is being described as connected to elections for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), though the timing has added to the political churn.

The breakfast meeting on Thursday is now being watched as the clearest signal yet of whether Karnataka's Congress government is on the verge of a leadership transition — or whether the high command will hold its current arrangement in place.