A DAY after resigning as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Friday met Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital, officials said. Siddaramaiah was accompanied by his son Yathindra. The meeting with Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence is seen as significant because Siddaramaiah is learnt to have told the former party chief that he has fulfilled his promise of resigning from the Chief Minister’s post, paving the way for a transition in Karnataka. He is also learnt to have discussed his future plans and the new Government formation in the southern State with Rahul Gandhi. Siddaramaiah has already declined a Rajya Sabha nomination, offered by the party leadership. He also said that he wants to remain in Karnataka and is not keen on a central role, which the party high command had suggested to him. Sources said Siddaramaiah only met Rahul Gandhi, as Sonia Gandhi was not present during the meeting. He 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 said.

 

Siddaramaiah is seeking a berth for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka Cabinet, including the post of Deputy Chief Minister, they said. Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who was present during Siddaramaiah’s hour-long meeting with Rahul Gandhi, said, “It was a very pleasant meeting. They discussed multiple political issues.” Asked if the transition will be smooth in Karnataka, he said, “Absolutely. There is no hurdle in the smooth tradition of power in the state.” The outgoing Chief Minister later met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the new Government formation in Karnataka and his future role in the party. “Shri Siddaramaiah’s public life has consistently reflected dignity, compassion and a deep commitment to social justice. From humble beginnings to serving Karnataka twice as chief minister, he remained steadfast in his commitment to equality, harmony and the welfare of the marginalised. “Karnataka and the Congress remain grateful for his contributions to public life. Wishing him good health and the very best in his continued service to people,” Kharge said in a post on X, sharing his photographs with Siddaramaiah.