Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Congress party leaders in Delhi on Thursday following his announcement that he will resign his post.
The transition is part of a rotational formula agreed upon after the party's 2023 [1] electoral victory in Karnataka. This move allows Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to assume the role of chief minister, marking a significant shift in the state's executive leadership.
During the meetings with the party high-command, Siddaramaiah discussed his future role and the allocation of cabinet berths. While the party has considered moving him to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's parliament, Siddaramaiah expressed a desire to remain in the state capital.
"I would prefer to stay in Bengaluru and continue serving the people of Karnataka rather than move to the Rajya Sabha," Siddaramaiah said.
DK Shivakumar addressed the transition, praising his predecessor's contributions to the party. "Siddaramaiah is a pillar of strength for the party," Shivakumar said.
Shivakumar also called for continued cooperation between the leaders to ensure the state's stability. "If you want to walk far, walk together," Shivakumar said.
The discussions in Delhi aim to ensure a smooth handover of power while balancing the interests of senior party members. The party is currently weighing next moves regarding the composition of the cabinet to maintain internal harmony during the transition.
“"I would prefer to stay in Bengaluru and continue serving the people of Karnataka rather than move to the Rajya Sabha,"”
The leadership change in Karnataka is a test of the Congress party's ability to adhere to internal power-sharing agreements. By resisting a move to the Rajya Sabha, Siddaramaiah is signaling his intent to maintain a direct influence over state politics and administration, even after relinquishing the chief minister's office.
