‘DK Shivakumar will be chosen as our Chief Minister’: Congress’ Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan ahead of CLP meet

BENGALURU: Ahead of the crucial Karnataka Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for today afternoon to choose the legislature party leader, party MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan strongly backed former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post, stating that he will “without a doubt” be chosen as the next leader.

Speaking to reporters, Pathan said the high-stakes meeting has been called to officially elect the new leader of the legislature party following the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “The CLP meeting has been called at 4 pm today. Senior leaders Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, Randeep Surjewala, and all elected MLAs will be present. As dedicated party lawmakers, we will select our leader today,” Pathan said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On the Karnataka Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, Congress MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan says, “The CLP meeting has been called for 4:00 PM today. Senior leaders Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar, Randeep Surjewala, and all elected MLAs will be… pic.twitter.com/sByDLtSAk3

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2026

Voicing strong support for the current KPCC chief, the Congress MLA highlighted Shivakumar’s long-standing dedication and contributions to the party over the last four decades. “For forty years, he (DK Shivakumar) has done outstanding work for the Congress and has been elected as an MLA multiple times. He has supported countless people and has given his all to the party. Today, without a doubt, DK Shivakumar will be chosen as our Chief Minister,” Pathan added.

The Karnataka Congress is set to hold a crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru today at 4 PM amid ongoing organisational deliberations, leadership speculation, and continued political sparring over the internal dynamics of the ruling party.

The CLP meeting comes after Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers with immediate effect on Friday. Siddaramaiah had been asked to continue as Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.

Earlier, DK Shivakumar clarified that decisions regarding Rajya Sabha nominations and other organisational appointments, including MLCs, rest entirely with the party leadership in New Delhi. “We will release our list alongside those of other states. That is the information I have received. They (party high command) will inform you. This does not fall within my jurisdiction. The party high command will decide on this matter–even in the case of MLCs,” he said.

Both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar met the top brass of the Congress leaders in the national capital on Friday and held discussions over the next cabinet reshuffle in the state. (ANI)