The Congress on Thursday asserted that there would be no disruption in governance in Karnataka after Siddaramaiah stepped down as Chief Minister, saying his successor would continue to implement the party’s manifesto promises and welfare guarantees.
Speaking to NewsX amid high-voltage political developments in Bengaluru and New Delhi, a Congress leader said Siddaramaiah had “done his duty fantastically” and delivered on the guarantees promised to the people of Karnataka.
“Let us be very clear. Siddaramaiah was a Congress Chief Minister, and whoever succeeds him will also be a Congress Chief Minister. The government will continue to function on the basis of the party manifesto and the promises made to the people,” the leader said.
He said the next Chief Minister would carry forward the work done by Siddaramaiah and ensure that all manifesto commitments are fulfilled by the end of the government’s term.
The Congress leader also indicated that a Cabinet reshuffle was likely, with a mix of experience and youth expected in the new team. He said regional, caste and community representation, performance, talent and party loyalty would be among the factors considered during the rejig.
“There will definitely be a Cabinet reshuffle. It will be a mix of experience and youth. New faces will also get a chance,” he said, adding that non-performers and those facing allegations would be reviewed.
He said the changes would be aimed at ensuring good governance, maintaining unity and laying the groundwork for the 2028 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
Responding to the possibility of the BJP and JD(S) using Siddaramaiah’s resignation to target the Congress, he said the Opposition had been waiting for the government to make a mistake, but had not found any major issue so far.
He claimed the BJP itself was divided and lacked the strength to challenge the Congress in Karnataka.
“The Congress government has delivered on its guarantees, maintained law and order and taken up several developmental activities. Siddaramaiah led from the front, and the new Chief Minister will also lead from the front,” he said.
