The leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress was primarily orchestrated by D K Shivakumar, who effectively navigated a power struggle with Siddaramaiah. Over the past year, Shivakumar, supported by his brother D K Suresh, fortified his position against Siddaramaiah's faction by strengthening ties with the Congress high command in Delhi. As tensions escalated ahead of the Congress plenary session in April 2025, both leaders made multiple trips to Delhi to advocate for their respective positions. While Siddaramaiah's camp sought to implement organizational changes, Shivakumar focused on maintaining his role and advancing the leadership change agenda. His adept management of the situation, particularly amidst discussions of a Cabinet reshuffle, showcased his political skill. Shivakumar's strong rapport with the Congress leadership, built over years of dedicated service, was crucial in this transition, especially following his high-profile imprisonment in 2019, which garnered him support from key figures like Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. In contrast, Siddaramaiah, despite his connections with Rahul Gandhi, was perceived as less integrated into the central power structure.