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According to sources, Siddaramaiah has been assured of a Rajya Sabha berth, while his son is likely to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is expected to resign on Friday. (Image: News18)
In a significant development in Karnataka politics, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to step down from his post on May 28 (Thursday), with his deputy DK Shivakumar expected to succeed him, CMO sources told CNN-News18.
According to sources, Siddaramaiah has been asked by the party high command to take up a national role in the Rajya Sabha, with DK Shivakumar succeeding him in the Chief Minister’s position. Siddaramaiah’s son is likely to be appointed as the deputy CM of Karnataka.
The development followed a high-stakes meeting at the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday, where Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, LoP Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala were present.
The meeting came amid intense speculation of a leadership change. However, Congress clarified that the meeting focused only on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and no discussions took place on the leadership debacle in Karnataka.
What Happened Behind The Scenes?
While the Congress publicly denied reports of a leadership change, the situation behind the scenes appeared far more complicated. The meeting lasted over two hours, during which Rahul Gandhi stressed that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar must stay united, as per sources.
Gandhi also told Siddaramaiah that perception around him had gone down due to the months-long power tussle and his word has to be kept. Siddaramaiah is believed to have been told to take on a national role and was assured a seat in the Rajya Sabha, while a new cabinet is constituted in Karnataka. The Chief Minister was also told that he could decide his future.
Will Siddaramaiah Accept Congress’ Decision?
A source from the Congress told CNN-News18 that Siddaramaiah was not keen on moving to New Delhi, suggesting that he was not going to go down without a fight. However, sources said Siddaramaiah approached the issue in a mature and accommodative manner and assured full cooperation to the Congress in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
Why No Decision On Leadership Today?
No final decision has been taken on the Karnataka leadership after the meeting at the Congress headquarters today, as the emphasis was on the Rajya Sabha elections. The Congress refrained from announcing anything in a hurry under media pressure, according to sources.
However, sources made it clear that the final decision on the Chief Minister’s post rested with Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leadership is prioritising the Rajya Sabha elections. If Siddaramaiah steps down, the party may accommodate him in a role at the national level, while ensuring representation for his loyalists and preferences. Discussions are still underway over potential names for key positions.
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