Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D. K. Shivakumar met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in Bengaluru on Saturday ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for 4 pm. The meeting comes at a significant time as the Congress prepares for a major leadership transition in the state.
Shivakumar visited Lok Bhavan, the Governor’s official residence, amid strong indications that he is likely to be elected as the next leader of the Congress Legislature Party and subsequently become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. The development follows the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose resignation was accepted by the Governor earlier this week. The Council of Ministers was also dissolved, though Siddaramaiah has been asked to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed.
According to reports, Shivakumar’s meeting with the Governor included discussions related to the leadership transition and possible arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony if he is formally chosen as the new CLP leader. His brother, former MP D. K. Suresh, accompanied him during the visit.
Speaking on Friday, Shivakumar said that party observers would attend the CLP meeting and consult the Congress high command before a final decision is announced. He maintained that the process would follow party procedures and that the election of the CLP leader would determine the next step in the leadership transition.
The Congress Legislature Party meeting is expected to formally elect Shivakumar as its new leader, marking Karnataka’s first major chief ministerial transition in nearly 17 years. Discussions are also underway regarding cabinet formation, allocation of portfolios, and the possible date for the oath-taking ceremony, which could take place in the coming days.
Political observers view the meeting as a crucial moment for the Congress government, as the party seeks to ensure a smooth transfer of power while maintaining unity among different factions within the state leadership.
