‘Siddaramaiah wants Shivakumar to be CM’
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru shortly to tender his resignation. Following his visit, he is expected to address a press conference at 3 pm, the CMO said, as per PTI. Siddaramaiah told his Cabinet on Thursday that he will resign, sources said, though no official announcement has been made. Siddaramaiah hosted his Cabinet colleagues at his Kaveri residence amid speculation that he may step down to make way for his deputy D K Shivakumar. The two leaders embraced when they met, with Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah’s feet and seeking his blessings.
The chief minister is also expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday evening, sources said, adding that he may reveal more about his plans.
As reported by PTI, citing Lok Bhavan sources, Siddaramaiah has not yet sought an appointment with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. According to the Governor’s official schedule, he is currently in Indore.
Two party lawmakers indicated that the 77-year-old veteran was set to resign. The leaders cited above also said that several formulas were being discussed if Siddaramaiah chose to step aside, including one where multiple deputy CMs are appointed.
“I will speak tomorrow,” the CM said, after paying floral tributes to former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary.
The developments followed lengthy meetings on Tuesday between the party leadership, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, with sources familiar with the matter saying the high command pressured the former to step aside from his position.
