New Delhi/Bengaluru: Caretaker Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s 10 Janpath residence in New Delhi following his resignation from the CM’s post.
Siddaramaiah received a warm welcome from Rahul Gandhi during the meeting. After greeting Siddaramaiah with a handshake, Rahul Gandhi hugged him and posed for photographs.
The meeting comes amid major political developments in Karnataka after Siddaramaiah stepped down as Chief Minister on Thursday. He has, however, been asked to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until new arrangements are made.
According to sources, Siddaramaiah thanked Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership for giving him the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister for two terms and enabling him to become one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in Karnataka’s history, with nearly eight straight years in office.
Sources added that the discussions also focused on the future political roadmap for the Congress party in Karnataka and the transition of leadership in the state. Following his meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah held discussions with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Former state ministers K.J. George and Priyank Kharge, along with Legislative Council member Yathindra Siddaramaiah, were also present during the discussions. However, details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed.
After the meeting, Kharge, taking to social media X, stated, “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 party remain grateful for his contribution to public life. Wishing him good health and the very best in his continued service to the people.”