Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign as soon as tomorrow to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar after Congress high-command unanimously backing transition to the latter, according to media reports.
The development comes after a marathon six-hour meeting between Congress top brass and the Karnataka leaders.
During the meeting, Siddaramaiah was reportedly offered Rajya Sabha seat and asked to play a larger national role.
The Karanataka CM has sought time to decide, while asserting that he will abide by the decision taken by the high-command.
Citing sources, a report claimed that Siddaramaiah could resign as early as tomorrow.
Earlier today, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Tuesday dismissed the speculation about the leadership change in Karnataka, saying there is no reality in it at all.
Speaking to reporters outside the Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Venugopal said that the discussions held with Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar centred around the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar accompanied Venugopal during the media interaction.
“Today we had a detailed meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji and LoP Rahul Gandhi ji. Of course, CM Siddaramaiah ji, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar ji, General Secretary in charge of Karnataka and myself were part of the discussion. Today the entire discussion was only concentrated on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and council elections of Karnataka,” Venugopal said.
Venugopal categorically rejected the speculation about the CM change in Karnataka. “Whatever speculation you people are doing, that is only speculation. No reality at all.”