The Karnataka leadership transition took a poignant turn on Thursday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gathered senior ministers at his residence to explain his exit and urge them to rally behind D K Shivakumar.
By the time ministers arrived, the decision had already been communicated through party channels in New Delhi, but Siddaramaiah chose to address his colleagues personally, speaking at length about the discussions with the Congress high command and the need for unity during the transfer of power.
Apart from Shivakumar, other key figures present included Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, H K Patil, and Shivakumar himself, who arrived shortly before the meeting began and was seen embracing Siddaramaiah and later touching his feet.
Siddaramaiah informed his colleagues that Shivakumar had been selected to take charge as the next chief minister, with the formal transition to follow after a Congress Legislature Party meeting.
Ministers described the atmosphere inside the meeting as unusually restrained, with Siddaramaiah framing the change as a collective decision requiring discipline and cooperation from the party.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao praised Siddaramaiah's maturity and clarity, saying he showed what a great leader he is by speaking 'gracefully and emotionally' about his recent meetings with Congress leaders in New Delhi.
Siddaramaiah also assured his colleagues that he would remain active in Karnataka politics after leaving office, continuing as an MLA for the next two years and being at the forefront of all political activities.
The outgoing chief minister attempted to ease concerns about divisions within the party after the transition, stressing that the Congress would work together to oppose the BJP in the next Assembly election.
