The Karnataka CLP is set to meet today to formally elect D.K. Shivakumar as the new leader following Siddaramaiah's resignation

In a swift sequence of political developments on Saturday morning, Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Raj Bhavan for an informal discussion. The meeting took place just hours before the scheduled Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, where the formal election of the state's next Chief Minister is on the cards.

Accompanied by his brother and former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, Shivakumar’s visit to Lok Bhavan is being viewed as a preparatory step to discuss the upcoming government formation logistics. Sources close to the development indicated that since Governor Gehlot is expected to travel out of Bengaluru later in the day, the informal meeting helped align schedules for the official oath-taking process.

Stage set at Vidhana Soudha

The crucial CLP meeting, scheduled for 4:00 PM today at the conference hall in Vidhana Soudha, will be chaired by outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The gathering is largely seen as a formality to rubber-stamp the decision of the Congress high command, which positioned Shivakumar as the definitive successor to Siddaramaiah.

AICC General Secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala are also expected to attend the session to oversee the transition. The party’s 136 MLAs have been issued a strict directive to remain present in the state capital to sign the letters of support that will subsequently be submitted to the Governor.

Factional balancing and cabinet composition

While Shivakumar's election to the top post is secure, intensive lobbying has begun behind the scenes regarding the composition of the new cabinet. Outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who returned from New Delhi late Friday night after meetings with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, is expected to push hard for his loyalists to retain prime portfolios.

Speculation is also rife regarding the induction of Siddaramaiah's son, Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, into the new council of ministers. Responding to queries about potential cabinet berths, senior leader Priyank Kharge remarked, "The CLP will decide the leader first, and then that will be sent to the Governor. Everything will be left to the wisdom of the CLP and the high command." Congress leader Bilkis Bano added that if the high command decides, the youth representation, including Yathindra, will be accommodated.

A long-awaited power transition

The transition comes after Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation on Thursday, May 28, terminating months of internal deliberation over a rotational power-sharing formula. The agreement, originally brokered during the government formation in May 2023, called for a leadership change after two and a half years.

Shivakumar’s supporters had been exerting subtle pressure for the handover since late last year. In an emotional social media post following the resignation, Shivakumar expressed his gratitude to Siddaramaiah, writing, "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together. I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka."

Opposition mounts corruption offensive

Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the ruling dispensation, terms the leadership change a cosmetic exercise that will not change the administrative ground reality.

"There may be a change in leadership, but the truth is that this is a super-corrupt government," alleged Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. "The people of Karnataka are completely fed up because developmental works have come to a total standstill across the state during this transition."

Swearing-in timelines under review

With the CLP meeting expected to wrap up by Saturday evening, the focus will shift entirely to the oath-taking ceremony. Astrological consultations and the availability of senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are reportedly dictating the final choice of date.

Initial reports indicate that tentative preparations are underway near the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, with the ceremony likely to take place on Monday, June 1, or Wednesday next week. Once the CLP formally passes the resolution, a delegation led by Shivakumar will meet the Governor tonight to stake a formal claim to form the next government.