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’, where several ministers from the state cabinet were also present. During the meeting, Siddaramaiah reportedly informed his ministers that he would step down from the post, paving the way for DK Shivakumar and bringing an end to the months-long tussle over the top chair. Shivakumar, who as successor apparent, upon his arrival embraced the chief minister in a warm hug. He then touched Siddaramaiah's feet to seek his blessings, underscoring the speculations of expected handover. Following the meeting, the ministers confirmed that Siddaramaiah has announced to formally step down later in the day and that DK Shivakumar was set to take charge as the next chief minister. "Chief Minister will resign at 3 o'clock. CM Siddaramaiah said that we will make DK Shivakumar the new CM. He will become the CM," HK Patil told reporters after the meeting at Siddaramaiah's official residence ‘Kaveri’.Follow live updates: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah likely to resign around 3 pmAs ministers and MLAs began leaving the residence following the breakfast meeting, Karnataka minister Eshwar Khandre said the Governor had already been informed about Siddaramaiah’s decision.“The governor has been informed. Siddaramaiah will meet him at 3 o’clock. I attended the meeting. We all thanked the chief minister for guiding us over all these years. He will speak to you himself. He has already called a press conference and will explain everything to you,” Khandre told reporters in Bengaluru.VIDEO | Bengaluru: Ministers and MLAs leave from Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s residence after breakfast meeting.There were also indications that Siddaramaiah may travel to New Delhi to seek the Congress high command’s approval on the selection of deputy chief ministers in the new government.The breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah’s residence became the focal point of Karnataka politics as senior ministers gathered amid heightened speculation over the Congress leadership transition.According to leaders present at the meeting, Siddaramaiah informed cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down from the chief minister’s post. The announcement came shortly after the Congress government completed three years in office.Senior ministers, including Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy and HK Patil, attended the meeting, while security arrangements around the residence were tightened in anticipation of major political developments.Deputy chief minister and Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar arrived at the residence alongside several cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders considered close to Siddaramaiah.In a moment that quickly assumed political significance, Shivakumar was warmly received by Siddaramaiah before touching the chief minister’s feet as a mark of respect. The two leaders later embraced in front of party colleagues and ministers.Photographs of the interaction were released by both leaders’ offices and later shared by the Karnataka Congress on social media.Sharing the images, the Karnataka Congress wrote, “That day, this day, forever... Unity is our strength! Public service is our eternal commitment!”The post was widely viewed as an attempt by the party to project unity at a time of transition within the Karnataka government.Ahead of the meeting, Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara said Siddaramaiah had invited ministers to breakfast in order to thank cabinet colleagues before stepping down.Responding to questions on whether Siddaramaiah could move to national politics or the Rajya Sabha after resigning, Parameshwara said any such decision would rest with the Congress leadership.“Now, this is all, these decisions have to be taken by the high command. So, at this point of time, I am not aware whether he was offered a position in Delhi. It is up to the high command,” he said.As news of Siddaramaiah’s decision spread, celebrations erupted outside DK Shivakumar’s residence in Bengaluru, where supporters distributed sweets in anticipation of his elevation as chief minister.Former MP DK Suresh, Shivakumar’s brother, also arrived at the residence amid growing political activity.In Kalaburagi, Indian Youth Congress workers performed a special puja at the Shri Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, demanding that Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge be appointed deputy chief minister if Shivakumar takes over the top post.