“Good time will come,” DK Shivakumar had remarked last week when asked about growing speculation over his elevation. Now, with the Karnataka leadership transition reportedly nearing conclusion, that “good time” may finally be close. According to sources, the Congress high command has signalled approval for the Deputy Chief Minister’s elevation to the top post. The only question that remains is—when?

Marathon meetings held in Delhi on Tuesday reportedly ended with senior Congress leaders persuading Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to make way for DK Shivakumar. However, the party has not made any official announcement, and discussions are still ongoing, sources told NDTV.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Congress leadership is said to have offered Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha seat, greater involvement in party affairs in Delhi, and accommodation of his supporters within the new government structure under Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah has reportedly heard the proposal and sought time to consider it.

This has now set the stage for two possible timelines for the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister.

In the first and more likely scenario, Siddaramaiah may resign as early as Thursday or Friday, paving the way for a weekend oath-taking ceremony for DK Shivakumar. Sources suggest this option is preferred, as a broad understanding on leadership change is believed to have been reached.

However, as always in politics, nothing is final until it happens.

If Siddaramaiah chooses to delay his exit, the swearing-in could be pushed to after the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 18. Three Upper House seats from Karnataka are at stake, with Congress reportedly considering one for Siddaramaiah, another for party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and a possible nomination for DK Suresh, Shivakumar’s brother, according to sources.

Party strategists are said to prefer avoiding any internal friction ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha vote, which could influence the final timing of the transition.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has remained non-committal. After arriving in Bengaluru on Wednesday, he declined to comment on the Delhi discussions or leadership change speculation. “I will speak tomorrow,” was his only response to reporters.

Within the Siddaramaiah camp, there is also a push for multiple deputy chief ministers under Shivakumar to maintain balance within the party. They are also reportedly seeking a Siddaramaiah loyalist for the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief, currently held by Shivakumar.

Sources in the Shivakumar camp, however, indicate that while he may agree to one deputy chief minister, he is unlikely to accept multiple deputies. Behind the scenes, negotiations continue as both sides work out the final contours of the transition.

DK Shivakumar is expected to meet Siddaramaiah for breakfast on Thursday. Along with idli, sambar, and vada, the political menu may also include a final “sweetener”—or perhaps another helping of delay.