Karnataka government formation LIVE: Congress to convene crucial CLP meeting on May 30

Congress leader Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s 10 Janpath residence on Friday morning, a day after he stepped down as the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

He was accompanied by his son Yathindra.

The meeting is considered significant as Mr Siddaramaiah will discuss his future course with the Congress leadership after already rejecting the Rajya Sabha seat.

Mr. Siddaramaiah also said that he wanted to stay in Karnataka and was not interested in the central role proposed for him by the party high command.

Sources said Mr Siddaramaiah met only Rahul Gandhi as Sonia Gandhi was not present during the meeting.

Mr. Siddaramaiah thanked Rahul Gandhi for giving him the opportunity to serve the state and informed him that he had resigned as chief minister on request, sources said.

Mr Siddaramaiah is also likely to seek a place for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka cabinet, including the post of deputy chief minister, they said.

According to sources, Mr Siddaramaiah later met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharg and discussed the new government formation in Karnataka and his future role in the party.

Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who was present at Mr Siddaramaiah’s hour-long meeting with Rahul Gandhi, said: “It was a very pleasant meeting. They discussed many issues.” Asked if the transition in Karnataka would be smooth, he said, “Absolutely. There is no obstacle in the smooth tradition of power in the state.” Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday formally accepted Mr. Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister.

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