Conflicting signals from Karnataka Congress leaders on Wednesday, 27 May deepened uncertainty over a possible leadership transition in the state, with one minister firmly rejecting reports of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation while a legislator close to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar claimed that favourable developments had unfolded in Delhi.

Patil Dismisses Resignation Reports

Karnataka Heavy and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil told reporters in Bengaluru that no discussions on a leadership change had taken place during recent meetings in Delhi. He said the clarification issued by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal should be treated as the party's final word on the matter.

'Only matters related to the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections were discussed in Delhi. Reports regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation are purely speculative,' Patil stated.

Patil further noted that any decision on state leadership rested exclusively with the Congress high command. He pointed out that statements issued by Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala were made in the presence of both CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar, adding: 'There is no question of Siddaramaiah tendering his resignation at present.'

Shivakumar Camp Hints at Opportunity

In sharp contrast, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain from Ramanagara, a close associate of Shivakumar, claimed he had received positive signals from Delhi about his leader's political future.

'I have spoken to my friends in Delhi. They told me that everything has progressed to a certain stage. I have come to know that our leader is getting an opportunity,' Hussain told reporters.

He added: 'I will thank God a million times. Once good times arrive, no one can stop them. Many leaders who wanted Shivakumar to get the position remained silent, but I chose to speak openly.'

When pressed to elaborate on what he meant by 'good times,' Hussain reiterated that favourable developments had taken place in Delhi and that his leader had 'got an opportunity.'

Discipline Notice and Birthday Remarks

Hussain was also asked about his earlier public statements backing Shivakumar for the Chief Minister's post — including remarks made during Shivakumar's 64th birthday celebrations — and a subsequent disciplinary notice from the party. He said Congress functioned with discipline and that both the notice and his response to it were in keeping with party norms.

'Shivakumar, as the party president, had issued notices as part of disciplinary action. I responded to them. It is my responsibility to follow party discipline, and it was his duty as president to issue the notices,' Hussain stated.

High Command Yet to Speak

The duelling statements arrive amid broader political buzz that senior Congress leaders are engaged in intense consultations on Karnataka's state leadership. Notably, this is not the first time conflicting signals have emerged from within the Karnataka Congress — the power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been a recurring source of speculation since the party's May 2023 election victory.

As of Wednesday, the Congress high command had made no official announcement regarding any change in Karnataka's leadership. Whether the 'good news' referenced by Hussain translates into a formal transition remains to be seen.