Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Karnataka appeared headed towards a major political transition on Wednesday as intense speculation grew around Chief Minister Siddaramaiah likely stepping down on Thursday amid mounting pressure within the Congress leadership for a change of guard in the state.
Sources told India Today that Siddaramaiah is expected to tender his resignation at around 11 am on Thursday. The development comes amid indications that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is the frontrunner to replace him if the leadership transition is formalised.
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Fuelling the speculation further, sources in the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that Siddaramaiah has sought an appointment with Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for May 28.
Congress insiders indicated that Siddaramaiah could submit his resignation during the meeting with the Governor.
In another significant development, Siddaramaiah is also expected to host a breakfast meeting for the entire Karnataka cabinet at his Bengaluru residence on Thursday morning. The move has intensified political buzz over an imminent leadership change in the Congress-ruled state.
Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala is also scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru on Thursday amid the rapidly evolving political developments.
Sources said Surjewala is likely to hold consultations with senior Congress leaders in Karnataka as the party leadership works to manage the transition and prevent factional tensions from escalating.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
