The Congress leadership has reportedly turned down Siddaramaiah’s proposal for a coordination committee, signaling a clear organizational structure ahead of Karnataka’s leadership transition
Bengaluru: Just days after stepping down as Karnataka Chief Minister, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has reportedly encountered his first political setback within the party's leadership structure, with the Congress high command rejecting his proposal to establish a separate coordination committee between the government and the party organization.
The development comes amid the final stages of Karnataka's leadership transition, as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) prepares to formally elect DK Shivakumar as its new leader and pave the way for the formation of a new government in the state.
Sources within the party indicated that Siddaramaiah had urged the high command to create a coordination mechanism to ensure smooth communication and decision-making between the Congress government and the party organization following the cabinet reshuffle and leadership change.
However, the proposal was reportedly declined by the party leadership.
Why Siddaramaiah Wanted a Coordination Committee
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah believed a coordination committee would help avoid administrative and political misunderstandings once the new government takes charge.
With several senior leaders expected to be accommodated in the new cabinet, the outgoing Chief Minister reportedly argued that an institutional mechanism would be useful in maintaining coordination between ministers, legislators, and the party organization.
The proposal was seen as an attempt to ensure seamless interaction between the government and Congress leadership during a politically sensitive transition period.
"The idea was to create a structured platform for consultation and coordination between the government and the party organization," sources familiar with the discussions said.
Congress High Command Rejects Proposal
The Congress leadership, however, is understood to have taken the view that a separate coordination committee is unnecessary under the present circumstances.
Party sources indicated that the high command reasoned that Karnataka is governed solely by the Congress and not by a coalition arrangement, eliminating the need for an additional coordination body.
Instead, the leadership reportedly conveyed that the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president would continue to serve as the primary link between the party organization and the government.
"Since Congress is in power independently in Karnataka, a separate coordination committee is not required. The KPCC leadership will handle organisational coordination," party sources indicated.
The decision has triggered political discussions within Congress circles, with some observers interpreting it as a sign that the party leadership intends to maintain a streamlined command structure during the transition.
Political Activity Intensifies at Siddaramaiah’s Residence
Even as organisational decisions continue to take shape, Siddaramaiah remains at the centre of political consultations.
A steady stream of Congress leaders and legislators visited his official residence, 'Kaveri,' in Bengaluru on Friday amid ongoing discussions over cabinet formation and party appointments.
Among those who reportedly met Siddaramaiah were senior Congress leader K J George, along with legislators Ponnanna, Puttarangashetty, and Bilkis Banu.
Sources said discussions focused on the evolving political situation, cabinet composition, and the party's future organizational structure.
The meetings underscored Siddaramaiah's continuing influence within the Karnataka Congress despite stepping down from the Chief Minister's post.
DK Shivakumar Set to Be Elected CLP Leader
The Congress Legislature Party meeting scheduled for 4 PM on Saturday is expected to formally endorse DK Shivakumar as the new legislature party leader.
Party insiders indicate that the Congress high command has carefully planned the transition process to ensure unanimity among legislators.
According to sources, Siddaramaiah himself is expected to propose DK Shivakumar's name during the CLP meeting, a move aimed at demonstrating unity and ensuring a smooth transfer of leadership.
Once the proposal receives the support of party legislators, the election process will be completed formally.
Afterwards, the newly elected leader is expected to stake a claim to form the government by communicating the decision to the Raj Bhavan.
Congress Leadership Transition Enters Final Phase
With Siddaramaiah's resignation accepted and the CLP meeting set to formalise the next phase of leadership, Karnataka Congress appears to be entering the concluding stage of its long-discussed power transition process.
Political observers believe the party's handling of organisational appointments, cabinet formation, and coordination mechanisms over the coming days will play a crucial role in maintaining internal unity and ensuring stability within the new administration.
While the rejection of the coordination committee proposal has generated political debate, the Congress leadership appears focused on projecting a united front as it prepares for the swearing-in of a new Chief Minister and cabinet.
