Siddaramaiah meets Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge post meeting with Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, May 29
Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in the national capital.
Siddaramaiah was accompanied by Karnataka Ministers Priyank Kharge, KJ George and his son MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah.
This comes after Siddaramaiah met with Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpat earlier in the day.
Siddaramaiah on Thursday resigned from Chief Minister post, following the orders of Congress high command and held discussions related to formation of new government, Rajya Sabha elections and other issues.
Following the meeting with Rahul and Sonoa Gandhi, Karnataka Congress in charge Siddaramaiah had a "pleasant meeting" during which several political issues were discussed.
"Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi today. It was a very pleasant meeting and they discussed multiple political issues. I have nothing to say further," Surjewala said.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a day after the latter submitted his resignation.
According to an official confirmation issued from Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, the Governor also dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by Siddaramaiah with immediate effect. However, Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.
"In exercise of the powers conferred on me under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India, I, THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT, Governor of Karnataka, have accepted the resignation of Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah shall continue to function as Chief Minister till alternative arrangements are made," the official order stated.
Earlier on Thursday, addressing a press conference after stepping down, the outgoing Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership and the people of Karnataka for giving him the opportunity to serve the state.
"I am a politician and I have understood that the constitution is our religion. Voters are fans, God. I had the opportunity to speak to 7 crore people of Kannada Nadu. I had the opportunity to become the Chief Minister twice. I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity."
He further stressed that despite his resignation, the Congress party continues to enjoy a clear majority in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly with the backing of independent legislators.
"Our party has won 135+1 seats. In addition, two independents have also supported our government. We are in the absolute majority," he stated.
The resignation came after a high-level meeting held at the Chief Minister's official residence, 'Kaveri', where Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen paying respects to Siddaramaiah, a gesture viewed by many as symbolic of a leadership transition within the state government.
Siddaramaiah also said that constitutional procedures would be followed in the appointment of the next Chief Minister and expressed confidence that the Governor would act accordingly.
"I have submitted my resignation today after the high command told me to resign earlier. I am fully confident that the Governor will accept it when he comes. Because it has to be done according to the constitution. Their procedure is up to them. Once the Chief Minister resigns, the next Chief Minister should allow it; that is their responsibility. We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is Constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed to form the government," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
At least Siddaramaiah handled this with dignity. He could have thrown a fit but instead thanked everyone and followed party orders. That's rare in today's politics where leaders hold onto power till the very end. DK Shivakumar better deliver on promises now!
I am from Karnataka and this soap opera never ends. First it was between Yeddyurappa and others in BJP, now Congress is doing the same drama. Why can't they let a CM complete a full term? Infrastructure projects in Bengaluru are suffering because of these constant political distractions. 😤
The way Siddaramaiah said "Constitution is our religion" really struck a chord. That's the kind of secular message we need more of in Indian politics. Also happy to see him giving credit to all the senior leaders - shows class. But the real test is whether the new government will actually focus on farmer issues and education.
Just another day in Indian politics - high command calling the shots. Siddaramaiah is a veteran but even he had to step aside. The fact that they have 135+ seats but still can't decide on a CM shows how divided Congress really is. Meanwhile, common man like me is worried about petrol prices and unemployment. 🤷♂️
Good to see internal democracy in action - but let's be real, this is more about power sharing than principles. DK Shivakumar has been waiting for this moment for years! Hope the new CM takes Bangalore's traffic and water issues seriously. Also, the way Surjewala just says "nothing further" is typical political evasion!