Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar was unanimously elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday, paving the way for him to become the state's next chief minister.

The decision was taken at a CLP meeting held at the Vidhan Soudha and overseen by All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. 

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who stepped down as chief minister earlier this week, proposed Shivakumar's name for the post, while G Parameshwara seconded the proposal.

Announcing the decision, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said: "Congress high command suggested the name of DK Shivakumar as the leader of Congress Legislative Party. Siddaramaiah ji proposed the name of DK Shivakumar as the new leader of the Legislature Party. Dr G Parameshwara seconded it. CLP unanimously accepted the name moved by Siddaramaiah. I would like to proudly announce that the Legislative Party unanimously elected DK Shivakumar as the leader of the Legislative Party."

Brief pause during CLP meeting

According to a Karnataka Congress statement, Surjewala formally initiated the process of electing the new CLP leader at the beginning of the meeting and announced that it would proceed on the basis of a proposal from Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah then moved a one-line resolution, which was seconded by Parameshwara and supported by all legislators present.

The meeting, however, took a brief 10-minute break. During this period, Surjewala, Siddaramaiah and Venugopal met separately in the chief minister's chamber, according to sources.

After the three leaders returned to the conference hall, where legislators were assembled, the process of electing the new leader was declared complete.

Resolution praises Siddaramaiah's tenure

Following his election, Shivakumar moved a resolution praising the services rendered by Siddaramaiah during his tenure as chief minister. The resolution was unanimously approved by the legislators.

Referring to the development, Venugopal said: "Everyone thought this change would be a problem for the Congress Party. Everyone anticipated this. We are a family, a great family. The Congress Legislature Party unanimously acknowledges Siddaramaiah's service as Chief Minister for the last eight years. That resolution was moved by none other than DK Shivakumar. He presented a resolution congratulating him for his excellent service as Chief Minister of Karnataka. This is a proud moment for the Congress Party."

He also said: "In 2028, Congress will return to power in Karnataka with the support of all the leaders."

Shivakumar to stake claim, swearing-in on June 3

Venugopal said Shivakumar would now approach the Governor to stake claim to form the government.

"Now, he (DK Shivakumar) is going to Raj Bhavan to stake claim as Chief Minister, and he will be sworn in as Chief Minister on the evening of June 3rd with his team," he said.

Shivakumar served as deputy chief minister in the Siddaramaiah-led government.

Siddaramaiah resigned as chief minister on Thursday. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted his resignation the following day and dissolved the Council of Ministers.