New Delhi: It appears that the dust and fury surrounding the change of power in Karnataka has not settled with Siddaramaiah’s resignation as chief minister as he and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who is expected to replace Sidda soon, are set to meet Congress state in-charge Randeep Surjewala in the national capital.Both the leaders will also meet Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge during the day.According to sources, the meeting mainly focused on finalizing Rajya Sabha candidates, Legislative Council (MLC) nominations and a possible cabinet reshuffle before the swearing-in of the new government. Sources further indicated that many ministers from the Siddaramaiah cabinet are unlikely to find a place in the possible DK Shivakumar-led cabinet. The party leadership is also considering the appointment of four deputy chief ministers to maintain social and regional balance in the new government.A day after announcing that he would step down as chief minister to pave way for Shivakumar as per the rotational formula agreed upon after his 2023 victory, Siddaramaiah expressed his desire to stay in Bengaluru instead of going to the Rajya Sabha, which was part of the offer made by the party high command.Siddaramaiah’s move to “partially agree” with top officials, despite being adamant on his point of not going to the capital for national politics, largely suggests that development could turn out to be a complex quagmire.On Friday, Siddaramaiah, Shivkumar and Surjewala will hold discussions with the top leadership of the party. Rajya Sabha candidates, MLC candidates and cabinet reshuffle will be the top priority during the meeting. Many ministers of the Siddaramaiah cabinet are unlikely to get a place in the DK Shivakumar-led cabinet. Congress sources told news agency ANI that four deputy CMs may be appointed to maintain social and regional balance in the government.

Karnataka Chief Minister ‘Drama’ Timeline

At a press conference on Thursday, the 77-year-old publicly confirmed that he had “politely” declined the party high command’s offer of a “national role” through a Rajya Sabha nomination, so that he could “remain active in state politics”. He has been chief minister for a little over three years, having been sworn in for his second term on May 20, 2023.As per plan, Siddaramaiah held a breakfast meeting with his cabinet colleagues, including his deputy and unofficial CM-in-waiting DK Shivakumar, at his official residence before submitting his resignation. What followed were hugs, tears and apologies.

Siddaramaiah’s comments in press brief

Before a large crowd gathered, Shivakumar held a closed-door meeting with the outgoing CM, hugged him and even touched his feet.For nearly two hours, ministers hovered around Siddaramaiah and explained the reason for his decision to resign after five decades in active politics. He told his colleagues, “I have no regrets. I am resigning with all my heart.”Sources said he informally mentioned that Shivakumar would take over as per the wishes of the party leadership. However, during the farewell press conference, Siddaramaiah avoided questions about his successor, while Shivakumar sat next to him, smiling during the conversation. He said, “Whatever the legislature party and the high command decide will be the chief minister.”The Congress high command is expected to call a CLP meeting in Bengaluru after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepts Siddaramaiah’s resignation, possibly on Friday. The outgoing CM reached Lok Bhawan at around 3 pm to submit his resignation. Since the Governor was out of the city, he submitted his resignation to the Special Secretary of Lok Bhavan, which was accepted on Friday morning.