Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is widely expected to step down, hosted a breakfast meeting for his cabinet colleagues at his official residence here on Thursday, setting off strong signals of an imminent leadership transition in the State.

Deputy Chief Minister and likely successor D K Shivakumar, along with several cabinet ministers, attended the meeting.

Photographs shared by the Chief Minister’s Office captured moments that quickly drew political attention. In one image, Siddaramaiah is seen warmly embracing Shivakumar, while another shows the KPCC president touching the Chief Minister’s feet and seeking his blessings — scenes many viewed as symbolic of a smooth transfer of power.

The visuals gained added significance as Muslims across Karnataka celebrated Eid ul Adha on Thursday, with the public display of warmth and reconciliation resembling an Eid greeting between the two Congress heavyweights.

Speculation remains rife that Siddaramaiah may formally announce his resignation to pave the way for Shivakumar’s elevation as Chief Minister.

The Congress high command is believed to have conveyed its decision on the leadership change, following which Siddaramaiah reportedly sought an appointment with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. The Chief Minister had also indicated that he would speak on the issue later in the day.

However, even as political developments gathered pace, Raj Bhavan sources said Governor Gehlot was not in Bengaluru on Thursday, as he had travelled to Indore for personal reasons.