Congress leadership begins discussions on new Karnataka government
Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar is set to hold crucial meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi as the party moves ahead with plans for a major political and administrative transition in Karnataka.
The high-level consultations come shortly after the resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which triggered intense discussions within the Congress over the composition of the next government.
Cabinet reshuffle and Rajya Sabha strategy dominate agenda
According to party sources, discussions in Delhi are expected to focus heavily on cabinet restructuring, Rajya Sabha nominations and upcoming Legislative Council appointments. Senior Congress leaders, including Randeep Singh Surjewala, are also likely to participate in the deliberations.
Sources indicated that several ministers from the outgoing Siddaramaiah cabinet may not retain positions in the upcoming government as the party attempts to strike a fresh social and regional balance across Karnataka.
Congress considers multiple Deputy Chief Ministers
Political sources further suggested that the Congress leadership is exploring the possibility of appointing multiple Deputy Chief Ministers in the new administration to accommodate different communities and regional groups within the party structure.
Discussions are also reportedly underway regarding the induction of Yathindra Siddaramaiah into the new cabinet. Sources claim he could be assigned a significant portfolio as part of efforts to maintain continuity with Siddaramaiah’s political legacy in the state.
Formal CLP meeting and oath ceremony likely soon
The Congress Legislative Party meeting, which is expected to formally endorse the leadership transition, may be finalised shortly after the Delhi consultations. Party insiders suggest that the schedule for the oath-taking ceremony of DK Shivakumar as Karnataka Chief Minister could also be announced after the meeting.
Attention is also focused on Karnataka’s Rajya Sabha elections, where Congress is reportedly confident of securing at least two seats while remaining competitive for an additional berth.
Weather disruption leads to unexpected Jaipur stop
Amid the political developments, Siddaramaiah’s travel to Delhi reportedly faced disruption due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in his flight being diverted to Jaipur. During the stopover, he met former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with Randeep Surjewala at the airport.
Later, Siddaramaiah shared details of the interaction publicly, describing it as a warm meeting amid a hectic political schedule.
Siddaramaiah says resignation was voluntary
After stepping down from office, Siddaramaiah maintained that his resignation was voluntary and based on consultations with the Congress leadership. He stated that the final decision regarding Karnataka’s next Chief Minister would rest with the Congress Legislature Party and the party high command.
The leadership transition marks a significant political shift in Karnataka and is expected to shape the Congress party’s strategy in the state ahead of future national and regional elections.
