Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot travelled unexpectedly to his hometown, Nagda in Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday due to the ill health of his wife.
This visit coincides with a period of significant political change in Karnataka, where a leadership transition is imminent.
In response to the Governor’s absence from the state capital, Karnataka Minister KH Muniyappa said, “The Governor is currently not at the main office (headquarters). However, everything will be fine. We are all working together under the leadership of one Chief Minister. A plan has already been formulated.”
He emphasised the need for unity within the party, stating, “Our goal is to achieve victory in the next election. For that, everyone must work together. Success is possible only if we work with unity and coordination.”
Muniyappa added, “Even though the Governor is not present, the necessary processes will begin soon.”
The statement comes amid major political developments, with Karnataka Minister HK Patil confirming earlier that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will resign at 3 PM. Following a breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’, Patil announced that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to succeed him.
Patil told reporters, “Chief Minister will resign at 3 o’clock. CM Siddaramaiah said that we will make DK Shivakumar the new CM, he will become the CM.”
It is reported that Siddaramaiah may travel to New Delhi to obtain final approval from the party leadership for the appointment of the new Deputy Chief Minister.
The transition meeting took place as the Congress government marked three years in office. The event included symbolic gestures of unity, with DK Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah’s feet and the two leaders embracing in front of senior ministers such as Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, and Ramalinga Reddy. The meeting was held under tight security.
Meanwhile, political activity increased across Karnataka. DK Suresh, former MP and brother of DK Shivakumar, arrived at Shivakumar’s Bengaluru residence, where supporters distributed sweets. In Kalaburagi, members of the Indian Youth Congress performed a special puja at Shri Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, urging the appointment of Minister Priyank Kharge as Deputy Chief Minister if Shivakumar assumes the chief ministership.
Although the Congress central leadership previously dismissed rumours of a leadership change as speculation, political manoeuvres intensified following recent meetings of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.