Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Surjewala met Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath in New Delhi on Friday.
The meeting took place a day after Siddaramaiah resigned from the Chief Minister post. Sources said discussions covered the cabinet reshuffle, the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, and other political matters.
After the meeting, Surjewala told reporters, “Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi today. It was a very pleasant meeting and they discussed multiple political issues. I have nothing to say further.”
Following the talks with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah proceeded to the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation on Friday, one day after it was submitted. An official confirmation from Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru stated that the Governor also dissolved the Council of Ministers led by Siddaramaiah with immediate effect.
However, Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made. The order stated: “In exercise of the powers conferred on me under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India, I, THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT, Governor of Karnataka, have accepted the resignation of Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah shall continue to function as Chief Minister till alternative arrangements are made.”
Siddaramaiah resigned following instructions from the Congress high command. Speaking at a press conference after stepping down, he expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership and the people of Karnataka for the opportunity to serve.
He stated, “I am a politician and I have understood that the constitution is our religion. Voters are fans, God. I had the opportunity to speak to 7 crore people of Kannada Nadu. I had the opportunity to become the Chief Minister twice. I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity.”
He emphasised that despite his resignation, the Congress party retains a clear majority in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly with the support of independent legislators.
“Our party has won 135+1 seats. In addition, two independents have also supported our government. We are in the absolute majority,” he said.
The resignation followed a high-level meeting at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’, where Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen paying respects to Siddaramaiah, a gesture widely regarded as a symbol of a leadership transition within the state government.
Siddaramaiah also said constitutional procedures would be followed for appointing the next Chief Minister and expressed his confidence that the Governor would act accordingly.
He added, “I have submitted my resignation today after the high command told me to resign earlier. I am fully confident that the Governor will accept it when he comes. Because it has to be done according to the constitution. Their procedure is up to them. Once the Chief Minister resigns, the next Chief Minister should allow it; that is their responsibility. We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is Constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed to form the government.”