Siddaramaiah arrived in the Rajasthan capital due to inclement weather conditions, which prevented travel to New Delhi. Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala was also present during the meeting.

Siddaramaiah shared details of the meeting on his official ‘X’ account, stating, “Had a warm meeting with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the Jaipur airport today.”

The meeting took place shortly after Siddaramaiah resigned on Thursday, submitting his resignation to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot as directed by the Congress high command.

At a press conference following his resignation, the longest-serving Karnataka Chief Minister thanked the Congress leadership and the people of Karnataka. He said, “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.”

Siddaramaiah emphasised that the Congress party retains a clear majority in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, supported by 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 stated.

The resignation followed a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’, where Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen paying respects to Siddaramaiah, an act interpreted as indicative of a leadership transition within the state government.

Siddaramaiah also stated that constitutional procedures would be observed in appointing the next Chief Minister and expressed confidence in the Governor’s response. “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,” he added.