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While Shivakumar’s elevation as the next CM is almost certain, Siddaramaiah maintained that the final decision would rest with the Congress high command.
Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation on Thursday afternoon at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. (Photo: PTI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for the second time this week, just hours after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation, setting the stage for a major leadership transition in the state Congress unit.
Siddaramaiah also reached the capital later in the night after his flight was diverted to Jaipur due to heavy rain.
While Shivakumar’s elevation as the next chief minister is widely seen as almost certain, Siddaramaiah maintained that the final decision would rest with the Congress high command.
Before the change of guard was announced in Bengaluru, both leaders were summoned to the national capital earlier this week, where a series of meetings took place at the Congress headquarters involving Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, party general secretary K C Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala.
What Happens Next In Karnataka?
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are expected to hold further discussions with the Congress leadership regarding the formation of the new government in Karnataka.
Key issues likely to be discussed include the election of the new Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, the composition of the new cabinet, and organisational restructuring within the state unit, including the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief’s post currently held by Shivakumar.
The Congress Legislature Party is expected to formally elect its leader, who will then stake claim to form the government before Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. Party insiders indicated that clarity on the transition process could emerge within the next couple of days.
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Siddaramaiah Steps Down After 3 Years
Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation on Thursday afternoon at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. The resignation was received by Special Secretary Prabhu Shankar in the absence of Governor Gehlot.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah informed cabinet colleagues about his decision during a breakfast meeting held at his residence. Ministers present at the meeting reportedly said he indicated that Shivakumar would succeed him in accordance with the Congress leadership’s directions.
However, addressing reporters later, Siddaramaiah refrained from directly endorsing Shivakumar.
“Whoever the legislature party and the high command decide will be the chief minister of the state,” he said.
When asked about Shivakumar’s possible elevation, his brother and former Congress MP D K Suresh said, “Let us wait for the party’s decision.”
What’s Next For Siddaramaiah?
Sources said the party leadership had offered him a larger organisational role at the national level along with a Rajya Sabha seat, though Siddaramaiah has reportedly not accepted the proposal yet.
Siddaramaiah has said he will remain in Karnataka politics till his last breath. “I have given my resignation after a suggestion by the party high command. I have told the party high command that I don’t want to go to the Rajya Sabha. I remain in Karnataka politics till my last breath,” he said.
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