DK Shivakumar seeks Siddaramaiah's blessings as state braces for imminent leadership transition
Bengaluru, May 28
The critical breakfast meeting called by Karnataka CM Siddaramiah got underway on Thursday as the state braced for imminent trasition in leadership. During the meeting Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen touching the feet of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a show of respect.
The two leaders also shared a warm embrace a sign of the transition that the state is likely to witness. As per reports Siddarmaiah is likely to announce his resignation as CM post the breakfast meeting with DK Shivakumar tipped to take over.
Earlier, Shivakumar arrived at Siddaramaiah's residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru amid speculations of leadership change and elevation of Shivakumar to CM post. Several Karnataka Ministers also arrived at the CM's Siddaramaiah residence, including Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, and HK Patil, amid tight security.
The meeting comes as conversations over a potential leadership transition have resurfaced intermittently over the past several months, despite repeated assertions from the party leadership dismissing such reports.
There has been constant speculation over the elevation of DK Shivakumar since the Congress government in Karnataka completed half its term, and another round of talks is expected before a final decision, party sources said.
Earlier today, sweets were distributed outside Shivakumar's residence in anticipation of him becoming the next Karnataka CM.
Speculation around leadership change in the Karnataka Congress has been brewing since the government completed its two-and-a-half years of tenure last year. The Congress government in the state has now completed three years.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were in the national capital on Tuesday and took part in a meeting with Congress's central leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress leadership is learnt to be settling in favour of change and has apparently conveyed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to pave the way for it, according to sources.
Officially, the party said that the meeting discussed upcoming Rajya Sabha polls and Council elections and termed as "speculation" reports about a possible leadership change in the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm a bit skeptical about all this speculation. The Congress leadership keeps denying it, but here we are. If this is true, I hope Shivakumar focuses on infrastructure and job creation in Bengaluru. Too many potholes and traffic jams! At least the sweets distribution shows people are hopeful.
Siddaramaiah touching feet? That's pure Karnataka politics! But seriously, this shows the internal democracy in Congress. Unlike some other parties where leaders just impose decisions, here they have a proper transition process. Let's see if DK can handle the pressure of being CM. Good luck! 👍
As a Kannadiga, I appreciate the cultural respect shown here. But honestly, I'm tired of these leadership dramas every time a government completes half its term. Can't they just focus on governance? The state needs better healthcare and education, not constant political shuffles. Just my two paise.
Sweet distribution outside Shivakumar's house? That's the spirit of Bangalore! The city is excited for a change, but I hope DK doesn't forget that Bengaluru needs urgent solutions for water crisis and garbage management. Hope the new CM is more visible than Siddaramaiah was in recent months.
Why is this such a big deal? In India, seniors are always respected - touching feet is normal in any family, why not in politics? The real issue is whether Shivakumar can unite all factions in Karnataka Congress. Otherwise, we'll have more infighting than development. Let's hope for the best!
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