LeadershipChange – Siddaramaiah Meets Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur After Resignation
LeadershipChange – Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur on Thursday, shortly after stepping down from his post. The meeting took place at Jaipur Airport, where Gehlot arrived after adverse weather conditions disrupted his travel plans and prevented him from reaching New Delhi.
Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala was also present during the interaction between the two veteran leaders.
Meeting Takes Place at Jaipur Airport
Sharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Siddaramaiah described the interaction as cordial and meaningful. He stated that he had a warm exchange with Ashok Gehlot at Jaipur Airport, highlighting the continued engagement among senior Congress leaders during a significant political development for the party.
The meeting attracted attention as it occurred only hours after Siddaramaiah formally submitted his resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister.
Resignation Submitted Following Party Decision
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation to Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. The move came after guidance from the Congress leadership regarding a change in the state’s top political position.
Having served as one of Karnataka’s longest-serving chief ministers, Siddaramaiah addressed the media after stepping down and reflected on his tenure in public office. He thanked the Congress leadership and the people of Karnataka for the opportunity to lead the state and contribute to its governance.
Gratitude Expressed to Party Leadership
During his remarks, Siddaramaiah acknowledged the support he received from senior Congress figures, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. He said serving as Chief Minister on two occasions was a significant responsibility and an honour entrusted to him by the party and the voters.
He also emphasized the importance of constitutional values in public life, describing democratic institutions and the mandate of the people as central to governance.
Congress Retains Strong Position in Assembly
Addressing speculation surrounding the leadership change, Siddaramaiah made it clear that the Congress government continues to hold a comfortable majority in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
According to him, the party secured more than 135 seats in the Assembly elections and continues to receive support from independent legislators. He stressed that the government’s numerical strength remains intact and that there is no uncertainty regarding its majority status.
Transition Process Expected to Follow Constitutional Norms
The resignation followed discussions held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Kaveri, where senior party leaders gathered ahead of the transition. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen meeting Siddaramaiah, a moment that many observers viewed as part of the ongoing leadership handover process.
Siddaramaiah said the selection and appointment of the next Chief Minister would proceed according to established constitutional procedures. He expressed confidence that the Governor would act in accordance with the law and facilitate the formation of the next government leadership.
Focus on Stable Governance
Even after stepping down, Siddaramaiah reiterated that the Congress remains firmly positioned to continue governing the state. He maintained that constitutional provisions and democratic processes would guide every step of the transition.
With the ruling party retaining a clear majority in the Assembly, attention is now shifting toward the selection of Karnataka’s next Chief Minister and the future direction of the state government under new leadership.