New Delhi: A day after stepping down as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, veteran Congress leader Siddaramaiah arrived at 10, Janpath on Friday morning for a crucial meeting with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. He was accompanied by his son, Yathindra, according to officials.

The high-stakes huddle is regarded as a defining moment for Siddaramaiah's political trajectory, as he prepares to map out his next steps with the party high command. The former chief minister has already turned down an offer for a Rajya Sabha seat. He has consistently maintained that he prefers to operate within Karnataka rather than transition into a national role in New Delhi, despite recommendations from the party leadership.

Insiders indicate that a primary objective of the visit was for Siddaramaiah to express his gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, who facilitated his rise to the state’s top job after he defected from the JD(S) to join the Congress back in 2006. However, the discussions are also expected to focus on securing Cabinet positions, including the post of Deputy Chief Minister, for his son and key loyalists in the incoming state administration.

Following his meeting with the Gandhis, Siddaramaiah is scheduled to hold separate talks with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala was also in attendance during the discussions at the Gandhi residence.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has formally accepted Siddaramaiah's resignation.

Sources reveal that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is widely expected to succeed Siddaramaiah as the next Chief Minister, will navigate the logistics of government formation in a separate meeting with K C Venugopal, the Congress General Secretary in charge of organisation. Alongside cabinet selection, the party high command is set to initiate a broader restructuring of its Karnataka unit during Friday's deliberations.

PTI