Caretaker Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, 29 May called on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath — Sonia Gandhi's New Delhi residence — a day after stepping down from the Chief Minister's post. The meeting, which included a warm handshake and a hug from Rahul Gandhi, signalled the Congress high command's continued goodwill toward the outgoing leader.

What Happened at 10 Janpath

Siddaramaiah was received warmly by Rahul Gandhi, who greeted him with a handshake before embracing him and posing for photographs. According to sources, Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership for giving him the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister for two terms — making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in Karnataka's history, with nearly eight straight years in office.

Following the meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah held separate discussions with All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge. Former state ministers K.J. George and Priyank Kharge, along with Legislative Council member Yathindra Siddaramaiah, were also present. The detailed contents of the discussions were not immediately disclosed.

Kharge's Tribute on X

After the meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge took to social media platform X to pay tribute to the outgoing Chief Minister. 'Siddaramaiah's public life has consistently reflected dignity, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice,' Kharge wrote. 'From humble beginnings to serving Karnataka twice as Chief Minister, he remained steadfast in his commitment to equality, harmony, and the welfare of the marginalised. Karnataka and the Congress party remain grateful for his contribution to public life. Wishing him good health and the very best in his continued service to the people.'

Congress Leaders Hail His Legacy

Former minister and Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao described Siddaramaiah as a towering leader who always stood for the poor and the oppressed, asserting that power and position were never central to his political identity. In a statement issued after the resignation, Rao said Siddaramaiah had 'proved that he is not a leader attached to power or position, but a statesman who bows to party discipline and principles.'

Rao recalled Siddaramaiah's landmark Anna Bhagya scheme — described as a model for food security across the country — and credited the former Chief Minister with earning the people's affection as 'Annaramayya' by ensuring food security for lakhs of families. He also noted that Siddaramaiah's final official public programme as Chief Minister was the inauguration of the state's 108 Centralised Command and Control Centre, introduced by the Health Department.

The Political Transition Ahead

Siddaramaiah stepped down as Chief Minister on Thursday, 28 May, in line with a decision by the Congress high command. He has been asked to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until a new arrangement is finalised. Sources indicate that discussions at 10 Janpath also covered the future political roadmap for the Congress party in Karnataka and the transition of leadership in the state.

The Congress high command is expected to announce the next Chief Minister in the coming days, with the leadership transition in Karnataka closely watched as a test of the party's ability to manage succession without factional fallout.