Siddaramaiah out, Shivakumar's moment arrives: Why Congress's Karnataka challenge may not be over yet — what's next

NEW DELHI: A day after stepping down as Karnataka chief minister, Siddaramaiah joined his successor DK Shivakumar in Delhi for a fresh round of consultations with the Congress leadership, as the party shifted its focus from the leadership transition to the shape of the next government.

The two leaders met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge amid discussions on cabinet formation, the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and Siddaramaiah's future role within the party.



The meetings come as Congress works to manage the post-transition phase in Karnataka and strike a balance ahead of the formation of a new government under Shivakumar.

Congress shifts focus to cabinet formation

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met Rahul Gandhi and Kharge before holding discussions with Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence. According to party sources, the talks centred on the composition of the new cabinet, Rajya Sabha nominations and the role Siddaramaiah could play after his resignation.

Siddaramaiah also thanked Rahul Gandhi for giving him an opportunity to serve the state and informed him that he had resigned from the chief minister’s post as asked, the sources told news agency PTI.

The veteran Congress leader is learnt to have conveyed his views on the new power arrangement in Karnataka. Reports have also suggested that he is not keen on moving to Delhi for a national role, preferring to remain engaged in state politics.

Siddaramaiah was accompanied by Karnataka ministers Priyank Kharge and KJ George, as well as his son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar's emotional note for Siddaramaiah

Shivakumar issued his first public statement after Siddaramaiah's resignation, praising the outgoing chief minister's political journey and contribution to Karnataka.

Describing Siddaramaiah's rise from a village in Mysuru district to the chief minister's office as an example of perseverance and public service, Shivakumar said his life demonstrated how opportunities, when matched with hard work and commitment, could shape a remarkable political career.

"God does not give boons or curses. He only gives opportunities. What truly matters is what we make of those opportunities. Siddaramaiah Avaru's life is one of the finest reflections of this thought," Shivakumar said.

Invoking the saying, "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together," he said he looked forward to continuing the journey together for the welfare of Karnataka's people.

What happens next?

With the change of guard formally underway, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) is expected to meet soon to elect its new leader. The party high command is also likely to appoint a central observer to oversee the process.

Once elected, the new CLP leader will meet governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and stake claim to form the government. The governor is then expected to verify the Congress Legislature Party's majority before inviting the chief minister-designate to form the government. Karnataka CLP meeting will take place at 4pm on Saturday.

The incoming chief minister, expected to be Shivakumar, will subsequently submit a list of ministers for the formation of the new cabinet before the swearing-in of the council of ministers.

Cabinet composition emerges as next challenge

The composition of the cabinet is expected to be one of the most sensitive issues in the coming days. It is being speculated that the Congress leadership may seek to accommodate leaders considered close to Siddaramaiah in the new dispensation to maintain organisational balance and ensure a smooth transition.

The distribution of ministerial portfolios, the possible appointment of deputy chief ministers and representation for various factions within the party are all expected to feature in the next round of consultations.

Siddaramaiah is also likely to seek a berth for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka Cabinet, including the post of deputy chief minister, sources told news agency PTI.

While the leadership question appears settled, the coming days will determine both Siddaramaiah's influence in the new setup and the final shape of Karnataka's government under Shivakumar.