CM Resigns, Seeks Minister Post For Son

Finally, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah decided to step down from his post. Senior Congress leader and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is now likely to take charge as the next Chief Minister.

Though Siddaramaiah had earlier made it clear that he would continue in the post, the latest political equations in the Congress party reportedly changed the situation. As part of the transition, the party is said to have offered him a Rajya Sabha seat and a bigger role in national politics.

However, Siddaramaiah reportedly turned down the proposal, saying national politics would be difficult because of his limitations with Hindi. He is said to have conveyed that he wants to continue in Karnataka politics till his final days.

Amid these developments, Siddaramaiah reportedly requested the Congress high command to give a minister post to his son Yathindra, who is currently an MLA. On Friday morning, Siddaramaiah along with Yathindra met Rahul Gandhi and discussed the issue.

But there is a political twist here. Yathindra and DK Shivakumar are said to have differences already. If DK becomes the Chief Minister and Yathindra is included in the cabinet, it could lead to fresh internal tensions in the Karnataka Congress.

Apart from seeking a cabinet berth for his son, Siddaramaiah also reportedly requested opportunities for some of his close associates in the Legislative Council.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah is expected to remain active in Karnataka politics for some more time before retiring from electoral politics by the next election.