Mallikarjun Kharge praised outgoing Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's service. Siddaramaiah met party leadership in Delhi amid talks of a cabinet reshuffle. DK Shivakumar is expected to be named the new CM in a planned leadership change.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday met outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in New Delhi and praised his contribution to public life, describing him as a leader committed to social justice, equality and the welfare of marginalised communities.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Kharge said Siddaramaiah's political journey from humble beginnings to serving twice as Karnataka Chief Minister reflected dignity, compassion and dedication to public service. The Congress chief further expressed gratitude for Siddaramaiah's contribution to Karnataka and the party.
"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 party remain grateful for his contribution to public life. Wishing him good health and the very best in his continued service to the people," Kharge said.
Siddaramaiah also shared details of the meeting on social media and said senior Congress leaders KJ George, Priyank Kharge and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah were present during the interaction. "Had a warm meeting with AICC President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi today. Shri KJ George, Shri Priyank Kharge, and MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah were also present," Siddaramaiah posted on X.
Siddaramaiah also met the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, as well as Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, regarding the Karnataka cabinet reshuffle, Rajya Sabha elections and other organisational matters.
DK Shivakumar likely to be next CM
Amid intense speculation over the next Chief Minister, Congress MLA Ashok Pattan said DK Shivakumar is likely to be elected leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) during the meeting scheduled for Saturday. He further stated that the new Karnataka cabinet is expected to include several fresh faces. "Well Delhi nothing we will see we will elect DK Shivakumar tomorrow in the CLP meeting and he will form the government in the government we are expecting our when we went to delhi 40 members within 40 members we expect 20 new comers will be there in the cabinet now there is no competitor for DK Shivakumar there is only one name in our party he is DK Shivakumar he will become CM tomorrow," said Ashok Pattan.
'Smooth transition'
Earlier, senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily described the development as a "smooth transition" and said the change in leadership had been planned when Siddaramaiah assumed office for a second term. Speaking to ANI, Moily said Siddaramaiah had served both the party and the state effectively and expressed confidence that the Congress government would remain stable under the new leadership. "It is a transition... Siddaramaiah served well as a Chief Minister and for 8 years, he served as our official leader... The change of guard after 2.5 years was decided when he took over as a CM for the second time, but he was allowed to continue for a couple of months more. He knew that the change was coming and there would be a change," he said.
He further stated that the leadership transition would strengthen the Congress government for the remainder of its term and ensure continuity in governance. "He served well in the party and the state government... The transition in the government is smooth, which means it will be a strong government for the next 2 years and Congress's legacy will continue..I don't think the change will have a sudden impact, he will continue with the legacy of the Congress," said Moily.
Party to take final call: Jarkiholi
Meanwhile, Satish Jarkiholi dismissed speculation over him being named the next Karnataka Congress chief, saying any decision would be taken only after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar return from Delhi following discussions with the party high command. Addressing reporters after Siddaramaiah's resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister, Jarkiholi said the party leadership would take a final call after consultations with senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. "I have already said that the Siddaramaiah ji and DK Shivakumar ji are going to Delhi. They will hold discussions with party and whatever decision is taken there, we will accept it. I don't know yet, but the Chief Minister is returning now. Once he returns, we will discuss what transpired during the talks in Delhi with Sonia ji and Rahul ji, and then a decision will be taken," said Jarkiholi. (ANI)
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