NEW DELHI, May 29: Top Congress leaders were engaged in hectic deliberations today over the new government formation in Karnataka on a day Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot formally accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and dissolved the cabinet.
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Karnataka will meet on Saturday at 4 pm in the conference hall in Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, to elect their new leader in the state. The meeting will be chaired by Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar is set to be elected as the new leader.
A day after resigning from the top post, Siddaramaiah, accompanied by his son Yathindra, met the Congress brass including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital.
The meeting with Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence at 9 am was significant as Siddaramaiah is learnt to have told the former party chief that he has fulfilled his promise of resigning from the chief minister’s post, paving the way for a smooth transition in Karnataka.
He is also learnt to have discussed his future plans and the new government formation in the southern state with Rahul Gandhi.
Siddaramaiah has already declined a Rajya Sabha nomination, offered by the party leadership. He also said that he wants to remain in Karnataka and is not keen on a central role, which the party high command had suggested to him.
Sources said Siddaramaiah only met Rahul Gandhi, as Sonia Gandhi was not present during the meeting.
The outgoing chief minister is seeking berth for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka Cabinet, including the post of deputy chief minister, the sources said.
Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who was present during Siddaramaiah’s hour-long meeting with Rahul Gandhi, said, “It was a very pleasant meeting. They discussed multiple political issues.”
Asked if the transition will be smooth in Karnataka, he said, “Absolutely. There is no hurdle in the smooth transition of power in the state.”
The outgoing chief minister later met Congress chief Kharge and discussed the new government formation in Karnataka and his future role in the party.
“Shri Siddaramaiah’s public life has consistently reflected dignity, compassion and a deep commitment to social justice. From humble beginnings to serving Karnataka twice as chief minister, he remained steadfast in his commitment to equality, harmony and the welfare of the marginalised.
“Karnataka and the Congress remain grateful for his contributions to public life. Wishing him good health and the very best in his continued service to people,” Kharge said in a post on X, sharing his photographs with Siddaramaiah.
Siddaramaiah also met Congress general secretary in charge of organisation, K C Venugopal, at the latter’s residence and discussed the new government formation in Karnataka.
The Congress veteran later had lunch with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and senior Karnataka minister K J George. He returned to Bengaluru later in the evening.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar held a series of meetings with Kharge and Venugopal during the day.
Later in the evening, he again met Kharge and Rahul Gandhi and felicitated both at the Congress chief’s residence.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the CLP in Karnataka will meet on Saturday and elect a new leader, and the new cabinet and party reorganisation would be done after that.
“We have asked all our MLAs to be present in Bengaluru on Saturday,” Shivakumar said, adding that both general secretaries Venugopal and Surjewala will also attend.
The new cabinet in Karnataka is likely to have younger faces, the sources said.
Regarding the announcement of Rajya Sabha candidates from Karnataka, Shivakumar stated said that Venugopal has said they have discussed the candidates and the list will be announced along with those of other states.
“They (party high command) have taken opinion from us. They will inform you. This does not fall within my jurisdiction. The party high command will take the decision on Rajya Sabha seats as also on the MLC seats,” he told reporters.
On taking oath as the chief minister of Karnataka, Shivakumar said, “I do not know when they will elect the leader of the Congress Legislature Party.”
Expressing “gratitude and deep respect” for Siddaramaiah, the deputy CM said he looks forward to carrying the journey forward together, and quoted a saying, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.”
He said the outgoing CM’s guidance would continue to inspire and strengthen everyone in the days ahead.
In a post on ‘X’, Shivakumar, who is widely expected to be elected as the leader of the CLP, said, “As the saying goes – If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together – I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka.”
“God does not give boons or curses. He only gives opportunities. What truly matters is what we make of those opportunities. Siddaramaiah’s life is one of the finest reflections of this thought,” Shivakumar said in his post.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Siddaramaiah has been a hugely dominant figure in Karnataka politics for more than four decades, which is a stupendous achievement in itself. He also termed the outgoing CM as true mass leader.
“The dignity with which he has been participating in the transition of power in the state has enhanced his stature immeasurably. He will be fondly remembered as he begins a new innings in his public life,” Ramesh said. (PTI)
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