Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had offered him a Rajya Sabha seat, but he declined, stating he has “no interest in national politics.” His remarks came amid a major leadership transition in Karnataka, with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar expected to replace him as Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah confirmed he would remain active in state politics and continue as an MLA. The Congress leadership reportedly proposed the Rajya Sabha role as part of a compromise during the ongoing power-sharing arrangement within the party after weeks of internal discussions and speculation over Karnataka’s leadership change. (PC: NDTV)

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday rejected the party high command’s offer to move to the Rajya Sabha after stepping down as Karnataka Chief Minister. The 80-year-old leader from Karnataka said he has “no interest in national politics” and will continue active politics in the state as an MLA. His remarks came hours after Congress appointed D. K. Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. Sources said the Congress leadership had proposed a Rajya Sabha role as part of the leadership transition, but Siddaramaiah declined the offer and is expected to meet senior party leaders in Delhi later today. (PC: NDTV)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced that he would resign from the post following instructions from the Congress high command, paving the way for a leadership change in the state. Addressing cabinet colleagues at a breakfast meeting in Bengaluru, the veteran leader said the party leadership would decide the next chief minister. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, considered the frontrunner for the post, attended the meeting along with senior ministers. The development follows days of speculation over a power-sharing arrangement within the Congress. Siddaramaiah assured full support to whoever is chosen as his successor. (PC: X)

Speculation over a leadership transition in Karnataka intensified after Congress MLAs claimed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had decided to resign, potentially paving the way for Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to take over. Congress MLA Ashok K Pattan said Siddaramaiah may resign after meeting Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, while senior legislator RV Deshpande claimed the chief minister told colleagues he had “decided to resign” in line with commitments made to the party high command. The developments follow marathon meetings in Delhi involving Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leaders. While the Congress officially denied any final decision, supporters of Shivakumar celebrated across Karnataka amid reports of a possible power-sharing transition formula.

C. Joseph Vijay met Narendra Modi in New Delhi during his first official visit to the national capital after becoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. The 25-minute meeting took place at Seva Teerth and focused on major state issues, including pending central funds, Chennai Metro expansion, GST compensation, fertiliser supply, and the Mekedatu reservoir dispute. Vijay is also expected to meet Union ministers, President Droupadi Murmu, and Congress leaders during the visit. The meeting is being viewed as politically significant amid changing dynamics in Tamil Nadu politics. (PC: India Today)

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from all organisational posts in the party, deepening troubles for the TMC after its poor Bengal poll performance. The four-time Barasat MP, considered a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, cited “indecent behaviour” by a party MP and lack of support from senior leadership. Her resignation came after attending a meeting chaired by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, fuelling speculation over a possible political shift. Kakoli also raised concerns over corruption allegations, the RG Kar Medical College case and the party’s election strategy, while blaming poll consultant I-PAC for mishandling the campaign. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of maintaining silence over the CBSE Class 12 results controversy, alleging “massive tampering” in the evaluation process. “No answers, no accountability, no shame,” Gandhi said while demanding an SIT probe into the matter. The controversy began after students claimed answer sheet mismatches and technical glitches in the re-evaluation system. Gandhi also questioned the awarding of the CBSE contract to private firm COEMPT, alleging it had faced similar accusations earlier under another name. CBSE has denied any security breach in its online portal.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the IPL 2026 final after defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. RCB posted a record 254/5, the highest playoff score in IPL history. Captain Rajat Patidar played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 93 off 33 balls. Virat Kohli scored 43 and became the first player to score 600 or more runs in four straight IPL seasons. GT struggled during the chase and were bowled out for 162. Rahul Tewatia scored 68 for GT, but the effort was not enough.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a major political crisis in West Bengal after nearly 100 councillors resigned from different municipalities. The resignations came after the BJP government announced scrutiny of local bodies. Several TMC leaders are also openly showing dissatisfaction with the party leadership. TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from her party post and attended a BJP-led meeting, raising rumours of a possible switch. Municipal services in some areas have been affected due to the crisis. The unrest has increased pressure on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the BJP tries to strengthen its position in Bengal.

The Congress party on Tuesday denied rumours about a change in Karnataka’s Chief Minister. The clarification came after a six-hour meeting in Delhi with top party leaders and Karnataka ministers. Congress leader KC Venugopal said the meeting only discussed the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and not the Chief Minister’s post. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were also present at the meeting. The party asked people not to believe in speculation. Rumours about leadership changes in Karnataka had been circulating for several days. Congress leaders said the focus remains on strengthening the party and preparing for the Rajya Sabha polls. (PC: PTI)