Siddaramaiah Meets Rahul Gandhi A Day After Resigning as Karnataka CM

A day after stepping down as Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi's 10, Janpath home. He was accompanied by his son Yathindra and they reportedly discussed his futurein the party.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had formally accepted Siddaramaiah's resignation on Thursday. With that process complete, attention in the Congress turned to choosing a new chief minister, reshaping the state Cabinet and clarifying how Siddaramaiah will engage with the organisation.

Siddaramaiah Karnataka chief minister transition and Congress leadership talks

Siddaramaiah told Rahul Gandhi that the resignation was submitted as directed by the central leadership, PTI reported citing sources. Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to head the government and to, in his words to the leadership, serve the state during two terms as chief minister.

Shri @siddaramaiah meets LoP Shri @RahulGandhi today.

📍 New Delhi pic.twitter.com/Mn9UDC9lBG

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 29, 2026

Sources said Siddaramaiah has again made clear that a central post does not interest him. He has already refused an offer of a Rajya Sabha seat. The former Karnataka Chief Minister wished to remain active in Karnataka politics rather than shift to a full-time role in national-level work.

Siddaramaiah Karnataka chief minister transition and new Cabinet plans

Siddaramaiah is expected to push for representation for loyal supporters in the new Karnataka Cabinet. Sources indicated that Siddaramaiah may also seek a ministerial position for Yathindra. The list of demands could include nominating a close aide for the deputy chief minister's post.

After meeting Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah also called on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. That meeting, party insiders said, revolved around the shape of the next Karnataka government and what specific role Siddaramaiah might play within the party structure once the transition is complete.

Siddaramaiah Karnataka chief minister transition, D K Shivakumar and Congress strategy

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is widely seen as the likely next chief minister, will hold separate consultations. It is reported that the Kanakapura MLA will discuss government formation with Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, who oversees organisation matters.

The Congress also plans wider changes to the Karnataka party organisation, with discussions scheduled for Friday. A Congress Legislature Party meeting in Karnataka is expected on Saturday to formally elect the new chief minister, setting the seal on the leadership change within the state unit.

Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala attended Siddaramaiah's hour-long meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Surjewala later told reporters, "It was a very pleasant meeting. They discussed multiple issues." Asked whether the handover of power would be orderly, Surjewala replied, "Absolutely. There is no hurdle in the smooth tradition of power in the state." Siddaramaiah, who joined the Congress in 2006 after leaving the JD(S), remains one of the party's senior Karnataka leaders.