New Delhi, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Siddaramaiah met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday and discussed issues concerning the Congress organisation and the political situation in Karnataka.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah raised the issue of the vacant Cabinet post in Karnataka and urged the Congress leadership to fill it at the earliest. He is also understood to have emphasised protecting the interests of the Ahinda — comprising minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits — while considering political and organisational opportunities in the state.
The former Chief Minister also pressed for the early implementation of the Karnataka caste census report, conveying that its findings should be acted upon without further delay.
Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi comes amid speculation over his efforts to secure Cabinet berths for some of his close associates following the recent expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet. Sources claimed he was unhappy with the second phase of the expansion as some names backed by him were left out, while several leaders he had not favoured were inducted.
The development had reportedly contributed to differences between Siddaramaiah, the Congress central leadership and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah had subsequently sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi.
After meeting Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah is expected to meet AICC General Secretary (Organisation) and MP K.C. Venugopal at his residence. The discussions are likely to cover Karnataka’s political and organisational situation and the party’s preparations for upcoming elections.
Siddaramaiah has largely maintained silence since stepping down as Chief Minister. However, recent remarks by Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar, who said Siddaramaiah would become Chief Minister again, triggered fresh political speculation within the party.
The former Chief Minister has also spoken on three occasions about retiring from active electoral politics. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi advised him against making further public statements on retirement, cautioning that such remarks could create confusion within the party and affect its political prospects.
Congress is meanwhile focusing on strengthening its organisation ahead of the upcoming local body elections and the next Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. Siddaramaiah’s meetings with senior central leaders are therefore being closely watched in Karnataka, particularly amid competing demands over Cabinet representation, leadership roles, caste census implementation and political opportunities for different social groups.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, however, dismissed speculation about dissatisfaction behind Siddaramaiah’s Delhi visit. He said that if the former Chief Minister had been unhappy, he would not have resigned from the post.
Siddaramaiah arrived in Delhi on Thursday night, with his visit triggering considerable discussion in political circles within the ruling Congress in Karnataka.
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