Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country has moved "far beyond negativity" and added that "this is a nation defined by optimism and fueled by extraordinary aspirations."
Emphasising that he never sought positions for himself, Ramalinga Reddy said he had not lobbied for a berth in the Cabinet and had never requested anyone to make him a minister.
According to a statement shared by Shivakumar's office, Sonia Gandhi also expressed full confidence in his ability to lead Karnataka successfully.
According to reports, the party leadership has given its nod to the initial ministerial lineup that will form the first phase of the new Cabinet. A total of 14 ministers are expected to take oath alongside DK Shivakumar.
The Congress leadership is expected to unveil the first set of ministers alongside DK Shivakumar's swearing-in, with a broader cabinet expansion likely after June 18.
Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain said that at least 80 party MLAs had given Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's name for the CM post to the high command.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today reiterated that his leader will not let him down, amid the ongoing uncertainty over Karnataka's Chief Ministership.
According to reports, the issue was brought up during the meeting with Siddaramaiah in particular urging Gandhi to clear the air over the confusion surrounding his future as the state's chief minister.
The meeting comes days after Shivakumar said that the Congress high command has spoken to both him and his boss Siddaramaiah and assured them that they will called to Delhi at an appropriate time to address the issue.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's weekend meetings with senior Congress leader KN Rajanna have sparked speculation about party leadership dynamics, even as the state government grapples with the Centre's controversial replacement of the MGNREGA scheme.
