Siddaramaiah meets Congress high command in Delhi a day after resignation - what’s on his 'wishlist'

NEW DELHI: Outgoing Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met the Congress top brass in Delhi, a day after stepping down from the state's top post.

While meeting Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath, Siddaramaiah reportedly told him that he had fulfilled his promise to resign as chief minister, paving the way for a transition in Karnataka.

"He thanked Rahul Gandhi for giving him an opportunity to serve the state and informed him that he had resigned from the chief minister's post as asked," sources told PTI.

This comes a day after Siddaramaiah claimed that he was offered a Rajya Sabha seat and a national role in the party, but he "politely" declined.

“I’ll continue in active politics. I have no interest in national politics,” Siddaramaiah said on Thursday, shortly after stepping down.

“I was also asked about the Rajya Sabha. I declined it. I want to remain in Karnataka politics,” he added.

During the meeting, Siddaramaiah is learnt to have presented a fresh list of demands, PTI reported, citing sources.

Sidda's wishlist

Even though Siddaramaiah resigned from the chief minister's post owing to the deal made with the party high command and his deputy DK Shivakumar, his grip over state politics and the party remains intact.

During his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, he discussed his future plans and the formation of the new government in Karnataka.

According to PTI, Siddaramaiah has sought a cabinet berth and a key portfolio for his son Yathindra. He is also learnt to have submitted a list of loyalists he wants accommodated in the new cabinet.

Sources further told PTI that the Congress is likely to undertake a reorganisation of the party structure in the state, a process in which Siddaramaiah — considered the party’s tallest leader in Karnataka — is expected to play a major role.

After meeting Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah also met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the formation of the new government in Karnataka and his future role in the party.

"Shri Siddaramaiah's public life has consistently reflected dignity, compassion and a deep commitment to social justice. From humble beginnings to serving Karnataka twice as chief minister, he remained steadfast in his commitment to equality, harmony and the welfare of the marginalised.

"Karnataka and the Congress remain grateful for his contributions to public life. Wishing him good health and the very best in his continued service to the people," Kharge said in a post on X, sharing photographs with Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar also held separate meetings with Kharge and Venugopal during the day and later told the media that a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party would be held after confirming the timing with the party high command.

Congress leader Saleem Ahmed said a CLP meeting has been scheduled in Bengaluru for 4 pm on Saturday, which Venugopal and Surjewala will attend.

A decision to name the new chief minister will be announced at the meeting, after which the schedule for the oath-taking ceremony will be finalised, Ahmed said.

"As far as cabinet composition is concerned, a decision will be taken by the party high command and the chief minister. Everything is proceeding smoothly. The BJP may be surprised by the disciplined manner in which the Congress is handling the situation. They had been making predictions that the Congress would split or face disruptions, but this process has sent a clear message," he said.