A day after stepping down as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday amid intense discussions over the future leadership structure of the state government. The meeting took place at Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath and is being seen as a crucial step in the Congress party’s transition plan in Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah also held talks with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior party leaders. Sources said discussions mainly revolved around the formation of the next Karnataka government, cabinet reshuffle plans and the role Siddaramaiah may continue to play in state politics despite resigning from the top post.
The veteran Congress leader resigned from the chief minister’s post on Thursday following directions from the party high command. His resignation has paved the way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to emerge as the frontrunner for the top post. While the Congress Legislature Party is yet to formally announce the next chief minister, party leaders have hinted that a decision may come soon.
Reports suggest Siddaramaiah may seek important cabinet roles for some of his close supporters and loyalists in the new government. There is also speculation about his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah playing a larger political role in the future. However, Siddaramaiah has reportedly declined offers for a Rajya Sabha seat, saying he has no interest in shifting to national politics.
Before leaving office, Siddaramaiah delivered an emotional message, saying he had fulfilled the promises made to the people of Karnataka and remained committed to the Congress ideology. He thanked party workers and supporters while expressing confidence that the Congress government would continue its welfare agenda under the new leadership.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Governor has officially accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation, dissolving the state cabinet and setting the stage for the formation of a new government in the coming days.
