Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on May 30, 2026, to discuss the state's leadership transition [1, 2].
The meeting follows a sudden shift in the state's political landscape that leaves the Congress party searching for a new leader to head the Karnataka government.
Siddaramaiah resigned from his position as Chief Minister on May 29, 2026 [3]. The discussions held at the 10 Janpath residence of Rahul Gandhi focused on the succession plan and Siddaramaiah's future role within the party [1, 2, 4]. Some reports said that Sonia Gandhi was also present during the talks [5].
The transition comes as the party looks to appoint a new leader for the Congress Legislature Party [1, 2]. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is widely seen as the likely successor to the top post [2].
Sources said that Shivakumar may take the oath of office as the new Chief Minister on June 1 or June 3, 2026 [3]. This timeline indicates a rapid handover of power to maintain stability in the state administration.
While most reports place the primary discussions at the Janpath residence, some accounts mentioned a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues prior to the arrival in Delhi [6]. The core objective of the New Delhi visit remained the resolution of the leadership vacuum created by the resignation [1, 2].
“Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 29, 2026.”
The transition from Siddaramaiah to a likely Shivakumar administration represents a critical pivot for the Congress party in Karnataka. By coordinating the handover through the central leadership in New Delhi, the party aims to prevent internal factionalism and ensure a seamless transfer of power before the proposed swearing-in dates in early June.
