Rahul Gandhi To Siddaramaiah: You Remain Congress' Biggest OBC Face - Sources

The Congress leadership appears to be framing Karnataka’s leadership transition not merely as a state-level reshuffle, but as part of a wider national political strategy ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Sources told NDTV that during a crucial 35-minute meeting in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi assured Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that he remains the Congress party’s strongest OBC face and would continue to play a key role in the party’s national campaign. The outreach is being viewed as an attempt to manage the delicate political transition while preserving Siddaramaiah’s influence among backward classes, Dalits and minorities through the AHINDA coalition he has built over decades. Back in Bengaluru, political activity intensified outside Siddaramaiah’s residence as MLAs and party leaders began arriving amid mounting speculation over his next move. Questions also remain over whether the Chief Minister will continue with his scheduled public programmes or stay back for internal consultations as the Congress leadership works to carefully choreograph the transition process.