We want you to help make Rahul PM: Venugopal tells Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Congress party high command used Saturday’s legislature party (CLP) meeting at Vidhana Soudha, where DK Shivakumar was chosen as the next CM, to send the message that outgoing CM Siddaramaiah’s political innings is far from over.

At a subdued CLP meeting, KC Venugopal, Congress general secretary (organisation), reassured Siddaramaiah’s supporters that the 77-year-old veteran would continue to play a key role in both state and national politics.

Addressing legislators and MPs, Venugopal praised Siddaramaiah’s contribution to the state and told him: “We will not allow you to rest. Congress needs your services in Karnataka and at the national level. You all must think about 2029. We all need Siddaramaiah in our team to make Rahul Gandhi, our leader, prime minister.”

Legislators present said Siddaramaiah appeared emotional while reflecting on his tenure. He highlighted the implementation of the guarantee schemes and their impact on people in the state. “He said BJP at the Centre had treated Karnataka shabbily and that Congress under his governance had managed the financial burden with prudence,” an MP said.

The CLP adopted a resolution thanking Siddaramaiah for his guidance during his two terms as CM from 2013 to 2018 and from 2023 to 2026. The resolution credited him with welfare programmes, social justice measures, administrative reforms, and development initiatives that helped strengthen the party’s support base.

The process of selecting the new CLP leader began with Siddaramaiah moving a one-line resolution authorising the party high command to choose his successor. The proposal, seconded by home minister G Parameshwara, was unanimously approved.

After a brief consultation involving Siddaramaiah, Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Shivakumar’s name was formally announced.

Following his election, Shivakumar moved a resolution appreciating Siddaramaiah’s service and appealed for unity. “He said that the party needs to work towards ensuring Congress return to the helm in 2028 and urged every legislator to lend their full support under his tenure,” a legislator said.