Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi today to discuss the state cabinet reshuffle, according to sources.
This follows Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation on Thursday after months of speculation about a leadership change.
Party sources indicated that Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, and AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala will meet the party’s top leadership. The primary agenda will include discussions on Rajya Sabha candidates, MLC candidates, and the cabinet reshuffle.
Several ministers from Siddaramaiah’s cabinet are unlikely to retain positions in the upcoming DK Shivakumar-led cabinet. To ensure social and regional balance within the government, up to four Deputy Chief Ministers may be appointed, party sources suggested.
Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, who is a Member of the Legislative Council, is expected to be inducted into the new cabinet, likely holding a significant ministry to represent the continuation of Siddaramaiah’s legacy, sources added.
The Congress Legislative Party meeting date, regarded as a formality, will be finalised today, after which the swearing-in date for DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister will be decided, sources said.
Of the four Rajya Sabha seats up for election in Karnataka, Congress is set to secure two comfortably and remains competitive for the third seat, requiring a few additional votes. Randeep Surjewala will submit a list for two of the three Rajya Sabha seats, with Kharge expected to retain one seat, according to sources.
A list of probable candidates will also be submitted for the seven MLC seats up for election in the state.
DK Shivakumar arrived at Karnataka Bhavan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, late on Thursday night. Commenting on the situation, he said, “The weather is bad today. My CM has landed in Jaipur. Lots of turbulence.”
Meanwhile, in Jaipur, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Siddaramaiah and Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala at Jaipur airport. Ashok Gehlot’s office stated that Siddaramaiah’s flight was diverted to Jaipur due to inclement weather.
On X, Siddaramaiah posted, “Had a warm meeting with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot at the Jaipur airport today.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned on Thursday, submitting his resignation to the Governor’s Special Secretary at Lok Bhavan. He stated the decision was made “voluntarily” on the Congress high command’s suggestion amid signs of leadership change in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Siddaramaiah said he resigned following directions from the party leadership and emphasised that there was no pressure involved. “I have resigned voluntarily. There is no pressure on me,” he said, adding that the Congress Legislature Party and the All India Congress Committee will choose the next Chief Minister.