Congress leadership discussions intensify in Delhi as DK Shivakumar emerges as frontrunner for Karnataka Chief Minister post
New Delhi: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday visited Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath in New Delhi, a day after his resignation was formally accepted by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, further accelerating the Congress party’s leadership transition process in Karnataka.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah met senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and personally expressed gratitude to the leadership following the major political developments in Karnataka. The high-level meeting comes at a crucial stage as the Congress prepares to finalize the appointment of the state’s next Chief Minister.
The political atmosphere in both Bengaluru and New Delhi has intensified after Siddaramaiah’s resignation formally paved the way for a leadership change within the Karnataka Congress government.
Sources indicated that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged as the leading contender for the Chief Minister’s post, with the transition process now believed to be in its final phase.
Congress Legislature Party Meeting Scheduled in Bengaluru
Amid the fast-moving political developments, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been scheduled for May 30 in Bengaluru, where party MLAs are expected to elect the next legislature party leader.
Congress legislators have reportedly been instructed to remain in Bengaluru ahead of the crucial meeting, which is expected to formally determine the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar travelled to Delhi after the resignation developments, triggering intense speculation regarding the final announcement from the Congress high command.
Party insiders stated that consultations are currently underway between senior AICC leaders and Karnataka Congress leadership regarding government formation, cabinet structure, and oath-taking arrangements.
“The leadership transition process has entered its final stage and an official announcement regarding the next Chief Minister is expected soon,” Congress sources indicated.
Governor Accepts Siddaramaiah Resignation
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot formally accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister on Friday morning, officially bringing an end to his tenure.
The development has effectively pushed the Karnataka Congress toward the final stage of the long-discussed power-sharing arrangement within the party.
Although the Congress has not yet made an official declaration regarding the next Chief Minister, political sources claimed Siddaramaiah had already informed ministers during Thursday’s breakfast meeting that DK Shivakumar would likely succeed him.
The leadership transition has remained one of the most closely watched political developments in Karnataka over the past year, with supporters of both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar publicly advocating for their respective leaders.
DK Shivakumar Oath Taking Ceremony Under Discussion
The date and venue for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka Chief Minister and cabinet are yet to be officially announced. However, sources suggested that internal discussions regarding the oath-taking event are progressing rapidly in Delhi.
According to reports, DK Shivakumar has already initiated consultations regarding an auspicious time for the swearing-in ceremony and is coordinating with astrologer Dwarkanath for suitable timings.
Sources further claimed that three possible muhurat timings have reportedly been suggested, while the final schedule will depend on the availability of senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
Some party insiders indicated that the swearing-in ceremony could potentially take place during twilight hours on Monday evening, although no official confirmation has been issued so far.
Congress High Command Finalizing New Cabinet Structure
Senior Congress leaders are also expected to discuss the composition of the new Karnataka cabinet during high-level meetings in Delhi.
The final decision regarding ministerial portfolios, cabinet expansion, and administrative restructuring is likely to be taken only after consultations with the party high command.
Sources stated that several top Congress leaders are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony once the date is finalized. Among those likely to be present are AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala.
Political observers believe the transition could significantly reshape the power dynamics within the Karnataka Congress while also influencing the party’s broader national political strategy.
With both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar currently in Delhi, all eyes are now on the Congress high command as Karnataka awaits the official announcement of its next Chief Minister.
