Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A day after resigning as Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah flew to Delhi and met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, presenting a wishlist that included Rajya Sabha and MLC nominations as well as key cabinet portfolios for his son Yathindra in the incoming DK Shivakumar-led government.
Son Yathindra’s Portfolios a Top Priority
According to sources, Siddaramaiah pushed strongly for his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah to be given significant portfolios in the new cabinet, including medical education and backward classes welfare, or alternatively industries or water resources — the last of which was previously held by Shivakumar himself.
Siddaramaiah Turns Down Rajya Sabha Offer
Despite the high command offering him a Rajya Sabha seat, Siddaramaiah declined, making clear his intention to remain in Karnataka politics. “I’ll continue in active politics. I have no interest in national politics,” he said shortly after stepping down, adding that he had refused the Rajya Sabha offer and wished to stay rooted in the state.
His Influence Still Runs Deep
Siddaramaiah’s continued grip over Karnataka politics was on full display when Satish Jarkiholi, the former PWD minister, said he would consult Siddaramaiah before accepting the offer to become KPCC president. Several ministers from his cabinet are still seen as loyal to him, underlining that his departure from the top post has not diminished his clout.
AHINDA Bloc Takes to Streets
Moments after Siddaramaiah stepped down, members of the AHINDA bloc — representing minorities, backward classes, and Dalits — poured onto the streets in several cities across Karnataka, protesting what they described as their leader being sidelined by the Congress high command midway through his term.
All Eyes on Shivakumar Cabinet Formation
With Siddaramaiah having submitted his demands to the party leadership, political observers are closely watching how many of his requests are accommodated in the Shivakumar cabinet — a move that will signal who truly holds power in Karnataka Congress going forward.
