Siddaramaiah to meet loyalists in Bengaluru today as Congress weighs Karnataka leadership change; DK Shivakumar waits in wings

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is consulting loyalists in Bengaluru following crucial Delhi talks on a potential leadership change. The Congress high command reportedly proposed a national role for Siddaramaiah, with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar seen as the frontrunner to succeed him. The party aims for a smooth transition to avoid factional disputes.