Karnataka CM decision likely by Monday, says Jarkiholi after Siddaramaiah quits
Synopsis
Siddaramaiah's exit as Karnataka Chief Minister has set off a fast-moving succession race within the Congress. With the CLP meeting called for Saturday evening and both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar returning from Delhi after high-command consultations, the next 48 hours will determine who leads India's most politically consequential Congress-governed state.
Key Takeaways
Satish Jarkiholi said Karnataka's new CM is likely to be decided by Saturday evening , with all matters settled by Monday or Tuesday .
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been called by Siddaramaiah for Saturday evening to elect the House leader.
Siddaramaiah and D.K.
Shivakumar are returning from Delhi after consultations with the Congress high command.
Jarkiholi ruled himself out as a CM aspirant and said discussions on the post had not yet formally begun.
Jarkiholi confirmed Siddaramaiah will remain politically active and lead the party into the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections .
Satish Jarkiholi, former minister and close associate of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said on Friday, 29 May that the question of Karnataka's next Chief Minister is likely to be resolved by Saturday evening, with all formalities concluded by Monday or Tuesday. His remarks came amid swift political developments following Siddaramaiah's resignation from the top post in Karnataka.
What Jarkiholi Said
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Jarkiholi said, 'Siddaramaiah is returning from Delhi. Once he is back, we will discuss what transpired during his meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, and then a decision will be taken.' He dismissed speculation about his own ambitions, stating clearly, 'I am not an aspirant. Discussions on the matter have not yet begun. When the issue is taken up, I will express my opinion at the appropriate forum.'
CLP Meeting Called for Saturday
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been convened by Siddaramaiah for Saturday evening to elect the leader of the House. Both Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are expected to return from Delhi following consultations with the Congress high command before the meeting. Jarkiholi indicated that the question of inducting Deputy Chief Ministers had not yet been taken up and would be addressed separately.
Siddaramaiah's Political Future
Jarkiholi was categorical that Siddaramaiah would remain a dominant force in Karnataka politics regardless of his immediate role. 'He will continue to remain active in politics and guide us. We will face the 2028 Assembly elections under his leadership,' he said. On the possibility of Siddaramaiah moving to national politics, Jarkiholi said, 'It is entirely up to him whether he joins national politics or not. But there should be no doubt that wherever Siddaramaiah is, he will remain our leader.'
Call for Generational Change
Jarkiholi also used the occasion to advocate for fresh faces within the party. 'We want new leadership. New faces should emerge. It will be good for the party if capable and knowledgeable people come to the forefront,' he said. He noted that the Congress had given Siddaramaiah an opportunity to govern Karnataka for six years, calling it a significant political journey. Once the new Chief Minister is named, he added, the uncertainty surrounding the leadership transition would be fully resolved.
Point of View
In fact, a major issue. Karnataka is the Congress's most visible non-coalition state government, and a messy succession here would hand the BJP a ready-made narrative ahead of 2028. The call for 'generational change' is notable — it signals that a third faction may be positioning itself, complicating what the high command hoped would be a clean handover.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Siddaramaiah resign as Karnataka Chief Minister?
Siddaramaiah resigned from the Karnataka Chief Minister's post, triggering a leadership transition within the Congress. The specific reasons cited in official communications have not been detailed in available reports, but the move follows consultations with the Congress high command in Delhi.
When will Karnataka's new Chief Minister be decided?
According to Satish Jarkiholi, a decision is expected by Saturday evening, with all formalities concluded by Monday or Tuesday. The Congress Legislature Party meeting has been called for Saturday evening to elect the leader of the House.
Who are the likely candidates for Karnataka Chief Minister?
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is widely regarded as the frontrunner, though no formal announcement has been made. Jarkiholi explicitly ruled himself out as a candidate and said discussions had not yet formally begun.
What role will Siddaramaiah play after stepping down?
Jarkiholi confirmed that Siddaramaiah will remain active in Karnataka politics and is expected to lead the party into the 2028 Assembly elections. His move to national politics remains an open question, described as entirely his own decision.
What is the Congress Legislature Party meeting on Saturday about?
The CLP meeting, convened by Siddaramaiah for Saturday evening, is specifically to elect the leader of the House — the formal step required to designate the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
