Karnataka CM likely to step down; DKS, Siddaramaiah bonhomie: What happened at key breakfast meeting?

NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday met deputy CM DK Shivakumar over breakfast at his official residence ‘Kaveri’, the place a number of ministers from the state cupboard have been additionally current. In the course of the assembly, Siddaramaiah reportedly knowledgeable his ministers that he would step down from the publish, paving the way in which for DK Shivakumar and bringing an finish to the months-long tussle excessive chair.Shivakumar, who as successor obvious, upon his arrival embraced the chief minister in a heat hug. He then touched Siddaramaiah’s ft to search his blessings, underscoring the speculations of anticipated handover.

Siddaramaiah’s resignation, Shivakumar’s elevation

Karnataka minister HK Patil confirmed after the assembly that Siddaramaiah would formally step down later within the day and that DK Shivakumar was set to take cost as the following chief minister.“Chief Minister will resign at 3 o’clock. CM Siddaramaiah mentioned that we’ll make DK Shivakumar the brand new CM, he’ll turn into the CM,” HK Patil informed reporters after the assembly at Siddaramaiah’s official residence ‘Kaveri’.There have been additionally indications that Siddaramaiah could journey to New Delhi to search the Congress excessive command’s approval on the collection of deputy chief ministers within the new authorities.

Siddaramaiah informs ministers of resignation

The breakfast assembly at Siddaramaiah’s residence turned the point of interest of Karnataka politics as senior ministers gathered amid heightened hypothesis over the Congress management transition.In accordance to leaders current at the assembly, Siddaramaiah knowledgeable cupboard colleagues of his choice to step down from the chief minister’s publish. The announcement got here shortly after the Congress authorities accomplished three years in workplace.Senior ministers together with Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy and HK Patil attended the assembly, whereas safety preparations across the residence have been tightened in anticipation of main political developments.

Shivakumar’s gesture in the direction of Siddaramaiah

Deputy chief minister and Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar arrived at the residence alongside a number of cupboard ministers and senior Congress leaders thought of shut to Siddaramaiah.In a second that rapidly assumed political significance, Shivakumar was warmly acquired by Siddaramaiah earlier than touching the chief minister’s ft as a mark of respect. The 2 leaders later embraced in entrance of social gathering colleagues and ministers.Images of the interplay have been launched by each leaders’ workplaces and later shared by the Karnataka Congress on social media.Sharing the photographs, the Karnataka Congress wrote, “That day, this present day, without end… Unity is our energy! Public service is our everlasting dedication!”The publish was extensively considered as an try by the social gathering to challenge unity at a time of transition throughout the Karnataka authorities.

State residence minister hints at

Forward of the assembly, Karnataka residence minister G Parameshwara mentioned Siddaramaiah had invited ministers to breakfast so as to thank cupboard colleagues earlier than stepping down.Responding to questions on whether or not Siddaramaiah might transfer to nationwide politics or the Rajya Sabha after resigning, Parameshwara mentioned any such choice would relaxation with the Congress management.“Now, that is all, these selections have to be taken by the excessive command. So, at this level of time, I’m not conscious whether or not he was provided a place in Delhi. It’s up to the excessive command,” he mentioned.

Celebrations start outdoors Shivakumar’s residence

As information of Siddaramaiah’s choice unfold, celebrations erupted outdoors DK Shivakumar’s residence in Bengaluru, the place supporters distributed sweets in anticipation of his elevation as chief minister.Former MP DK Suresh, Shivakumar’s brother, additionally arrived at the residence amid rising political exercise.In Kalaburagi, Indian Youth Congress staff carried out a particular puja at the Shri Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, demanding that Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge be appointed deputy chief minister if Shivakumar takes excessive publish.