Agencies | Bangalore:
Ending days of speculation over a leadership transition in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation on Thursday, citing directions from the Congress high command and paving the way for a change in leadership in the state.
The resignation marks a major political transition in the Congress-led government, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar widely expected to succeed Siddaramaiah as the next Chief Minister.
As political developments unfolded, Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision during a breakfast meeting at his official residence in Bengaluru. He later confirmed that he had submitted his resignation to the Governor’s Office.
“I have submitted my resignation to the Governor’s Office. The Governor is not here. He is returning tonight, so I submitted the resignation to his office,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet Siddaramaiah later in the day and reportedly stressed that the new cabinet should ensure representation for all castes and communities.
According to sources, the Congress leadership is likely to opt for a phased cabinet formation, with only a small group of ministers expected to be sworn in alongside the new Chief Minister initially. The remaining cabinet expansion is expected in a second phase.
The oath-taking ceremony of the new Chief Minister is likely to be held on Sunday, although the final schedule is yet to be officially announced.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil confirmed that Siddaramaiah had informed cabinet colleagues about the leadership transition and that DK Shivakumar would take over as Chief Minister in line with the Congress high command’s decision.
