Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, a Congress MLA, expressed strong support for former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to be selected as the next Chief Minister ahead of the Karnataka Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for 4 PM today.

Pathan stated the meeting has been convened to officially elect the new leader following the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He said, “The CLP meeting has been called for 4:00 PM today. Senior leaders Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, Randeep Surjewala, and all elected MLAs will be present. As dedicated party lawmakers, we will select our leader today.”

The MLA highlighted Shivakumar’s decades-long dedication to the Congress party, saying, “For forty years, he (DK Shivakumar) has done outstanding work for the Congress and has been elected as an MLA multiple times. He has supported countless people and has given his all to the party. Today, without a doubt, DK Shivakumar will be chosen as our Chief Minister.”

The CLP meeting follows Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s acceptance of Siddaramaiah’s resignation and the immediate dissolution of the Council of Ministers, though Siddaramaiah was asked to continue as Chief Minister until a successor is appointed. The gathering takes place amid ongoing organisational deliberations, leadership speculation, and political tensions within the ruling party.

Separately, DK Shivakumar clarified that decisions regarding Rajya Sabha nominations and other organisational appointments, including those of Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), are determined by the party leadership in New Delhi. “We will release our list alongside those of other states. That is the information I have received. They (party high command) will inform you. This does not fall within my jurisdiction. The party high command will decide on this matter–even in the case of MLCs,” he said.