Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign on Thursday as the Congress leadership prepares for a power transition in the state, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expected to take over as the next Chief Minister.
According to reports, Siddaramaiah is not interested in accepting a Rajya Sabha seat that was allegedly offered as part of the transition arrangement. Instead, he is keen to continue as an MLA for the next two years before eventually moving to national politics. Three Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka are set to fall vacant this year, with one reportedly expected to go to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and another to Shivakumar's brother, DK Suresh.
Sources said Siddaramaiah may step down by around 3 pm after discussions with the party's senior leadership in Delhi. Earlier reports had suggested he could resign by 11 am. The new government led by Shivakumar is likely to take oath on May 30.
As part of the transition formula, MLAs considered close to Siddaramaiah are expected to receive key portfolios in the incoming Cabinet headed by Shivakumar.
Amid the political developments, Siddaramaiah hosted a breakfast meeting for his Cabinet colleagues at his official residence, Kaveri, on Thursday morning. In visuals that surfaced from the gathering, DK Shivakumar was seen touching Siddaramaiah's feet, signalling respect and an attempt to project unity within the Congress during the leadership change.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is currently away from Bengaluru due to a family emergency and reportedly travelled to his hometown Indore late Wednesday night. However, Siddaramaiah is still expected to submit his resignation to the Governor's office, according to sources.
