The political atmosphere in Karnataka has turned very turbulent in recent days as speculation about a possible change in leadership in the state has been on high pitch.
The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought an appointment with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday morning, and it is known that he will be forced to resign in the wake of mounting speculation about whether the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be replaced as well, with a change in power in the ruling Congress government.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot abruptly departed Bengaluru late Wednesday night and went to Mumbai. The Governor said he was sent because of the health problems of a relative. He left Kempegowda Airport at 11:45 PM and is going to Indore after staying overnight in Mumbai.
But the timing of the sudden trip (when Siddaramaiah said he wanted to meet the Governor) has created political tension and raised speculation in the state.
Meanwhile, emotional scenes erupted at the Chief Minister's Office and on the third floor of Vidhana Soudha. Room No. 323, where Siddaramaiah's office was inaugurated on May 20, 2023 and had been almost filled for a while now as preparations for a possible transition are being carried out, is now empty. Many of the staff in the Secretariat were moved by Siddaramaiah's departure from office.
Witnesses said Siddaramaiah tried to console the emotional staff members by greeting them with folded hands as his supporters shouted the slogans “Jai Siddaramaiah” and “Jai Hulige.” The scenes reflected the strong emotional bond the Congress leader has with party workers, government employees and sections of the public, especially backward classes and AHINDA communities.
Even under the political uncertainty, Siddaramaiah made a significant political move by officially receiving the long-awaited Social and Economic Survey report (popularly known as the caste census report) from Backwards Classes Commission Chairman K. Madhusudhan Naik. Political observers believe the move could have far-reaching implications in Karnataka politics and could serve as Siddaramaiah’s last major administrative decision if leadership change rumours turn out to be true.
The report of Siddaramaiah stepping down has triggered widespread anger among AHINDA supporters and pro-backwards class organisations in Karnataka. Hundreds of supporters protested outside the Chief Minister’s official residence, Cauvery, in Bengaluru, at the news of the possible leadership change. Supporters from Varuna, Chamundeshwari and other areas warned the Congress leadership that removing Siddaramaiah could politically damage the party ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Dalit, backward class and minority organisations have also launched protests in different parts of the state. In Mandya, Dalit organisations organised a torchlight procession and blocked the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway. In Kalaburagi, large protest rallies from the SVP Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office were organised demanding that Siddaramaiah stay as Chief Minister.
State Oppressed Classes Federation and AHINDA groups have called for a statewide protest, claiming that Siddaramaiah’s removal would mean that backward communities would be sidelined politically. As tensions rise, the sudden departure of the Governor from Bengaluru only further complicates the rapidly emerging political dynamics in Karnataka.
