Congress leader M C Sudhakar stated on Saturday that there are 'no claimants' for the leadership position in Karnataka's state unit. He confirmed that outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clearly indicated Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will take up the responsibility and has his full support.

Speaking to ANI, 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.”

Siddaramaiah resigned on May 28, describing his decision as voluntary and based on the suggestion of the party high command.

Amid ongoing internal discussions within Karnataka Congress, Shivakumar recently met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi to discuss issues including legislative leadership, Rajya Sabha nominations, and organisational appointments in the state.

The Karnataka Congress has scheduled a crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru for 4 PM today amid leadership speculation, organisational deliberations, and political sparring within the ruling party.

This meeting follows the Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s acceptance of Siddaramaiah’s resignation and the immediate dissolution of the Council of Ministers. However, Siddaramaiah has been requested to continue as Chief Minister until alternate arrangements are made.

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