Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who stepped down as Karnataka Chief Minister to pave the way for DK Shivakumar’s elevation, has proposed the formation of a coordination committee to the party high command as part of the ongoing leadership transition in the State.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah suggested reviving a model similar to the coordination committee that existed during the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government in 2018. At that time, he had served as the committee’s chairman, acting as a bridge between the government and the party organisation.
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The proposed arrangement is seen as an attempt by the veteran leader to maintain a significant role in Karnataka politics even after relinquishing the chief minister’s post. However, sources indicated that the Congress leadership is not inclined towards the idea, noting that such a mechanism may not be necessary in a government where the party enjoys a clear majority on its own.
Siddaramaiah resigned on Thursday after months of internal power struggle within the Karnataka Congress. Supporters of DK Shivakumar had repeatedly demanded that the party honour an alleged power-sharing understanding under which Shivakumar would take over midway through the government’s term.
The Congress leadership has reportedly offered Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha seat and a broader national role, but he is believed to have declined both options, expressing his preference to continue active involvement in Karnataka politics.
On Friday, Siddaramaiah met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. His son Yathindra Siddaramaiah also accompanied him during the discussions. Sources said Siddaramaiah additionally sought Cabinet berths for his loyalists in the incoming government, including a possible Deputy Chief Minister position.
The Congress Legislature Party is scheduled to meet on Saturday to formally elect its next leader, with DK Shivakumar expected to stake claim to form the new government soon after.
The party is also likely to initiate discussions on restructuring its Karnataka unit as part of the broader leadership transition.
