BENGALURU: The push for D K Shivakumar to succeed Siddaramaiah as Karnataka Chief Minister gained significant momentum after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra intervened, according to sources. Despite multiple visits to the national capital in recent months, Shivakumar had struggled to secure an audience with Rahul Gandhi regarding the reported arrangement under which he was expected to take over as Chief Minister midway through the government's tenure.
Priyanka's Persuasion
Sources revealed that the Deputy Chief Minister then reached out to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who subsequently persuaded both Rahul Gandhi and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to consider Shivakumar's claim to the chief ministership. This intervention is believed to have shifted the dynamics within the party leadership.
Congress Leaders Weigh In
Senior Congress MLA and Administrative Reforms Commission Chairperson R V Deshpande stated that Siddaramaiah had already conveyed his decision to colleagues, although several ministers and legislators urged him not to resign. While Rahul Gandhi is said to have offered Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha berth and a larger national role in the party, the 77-year-old leader is not keen to shift to Delhi politics, sources indicated.
With Rajya Sabha nominations possible until June 8, the Congress brass is expected to continue persuading Siddaramaiah. Sources added that before submitting his resignation, Siddaramaiah would address a press conference. Shivakumar, who returned to Bengaluru on Wednesday from Delhi, will be part of the breakfast meeting, they said.
Transition Plans Accelerate
The transition plan gathered pace after marathon discussions in Delhi. The Chief Minister evaded questions about the developments, stating, "I will speak everything tomorrow," after paying floral tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru at Vidhana Soudha on the former Prime Minister's death anniversary. State Home Minister G Parameshwara and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi said there would be clarity after an official announcement.
This political maneuvering comes as the Congress party navigates leadership changes in Karnataka, with Shivakumar's supporters hopeful for a smooth transition.
