The Congress party attempted to resolve a longstanding impasse in Karnataka with marathon meetings on Tuesday between the party leadership and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar.
According to sources, the high command pushed the former to step aside, but he was weighing his options.
Officially, the party said discussions were on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and polls in the Karnataka legislative council.
Siddaramaiah denied reports that discussions had taken place on changing the CM, but sources said party chief Mallikarjun Kharge told him that he needed to step down and make way for a new leadership.
The 77-year-old leader refused to acquiesce immediately and instead asked for two days to decide.
Siddaramaiah was told by Kharge that the choice of successor was not his, and he was reluctant to hand over duties to Shivakumar.
The Congress is hoping to set its house in order with about two years to go for the next assembly elections and the government in doldrums.
HT had reported that Siddaramaiah might be presented with a formula where he steps aside in return for a Rajya Sabha seat and a possible cabinet position for his son Yathindra.
