Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday formally accepted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation, clearing the way for the Congress to complete the leadership transition in the state. Senior leaders have also gathered in New Delhi to finalise the next government and discuss power-sharing arrangements.Siddaramaiah, who resigned on Thursday, travelled to Delhi and held a series of meetings with the party’s top leadership amid intense discussions over Cabinet formation, organisational changes and his role after stepping down.The former CM first met Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s residence, 10, Janpath. Sources said Sonia was not present during the meeting, while Siddaramaiah was accompanied by his son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah.The sources said Siddaramaiah informed Rahul that he had resigned in accordance with the party leadership’s decision and thanked him for giving him an opportunity to serve Karnataka. Besides, he reiterated his preference to remain active in Karnataka politics, having already turned down suggestions of moving to Delhi through a Rajya Sabha berth.The former CM later met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and also held discussions with Congress general secretary KC Venugopal. Talks centred on the Cabinet formation, Rajya Sabha nominations and Siddaramaiah’s future role in the organisation.The sources indicated that Siddaramaiah is likely to push for greater representation for loyalists in the new government and may seek important portfolios and key positions, including the post of Deputy CM, for leaders close to him.Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who was present during Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Rahul, described the discussions as positive, adding that there would be no hurdle in ensuring a smooth transfer of power in Karnataka.Meanwhile, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who also met Kharge and Rahul on Friday, maintained that consultations were underway and no final decision had been taken.“Everything is happening according to the wishes of the high command. Nothing has been decided. We have called the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on Saturday, and asked all MLAs to remain present in Bengaluru,” Shivakumar told reporters in Delhi.The Karnataka CLP meeting has been convened at 4 pm on Saturday at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, where the next CM is expected to be formally elected. The meeting will be chaired by Siddaramaiah in his capacity as the CLP leader.The leadership change has been anticipated for months, following reports of a post-poll power-sharing arrangement, under which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each lead the government for two-and-a-half years.While Shivakumar remains the clear frontrunner, negotiations over Cabinet positions continue. Congress MLA Ashok Pattan claimed Shivakumar was likely to be elected CLP leader and suggested the next ministry could see a large number of fresh faces.Senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi also sought to cool speculation over organisational appointments, saying decisions would only be taken after consultations with the party leadership once Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar return from Delhi.Friday’s meetings also drew attention for the presence of senior leaders such as KJ George and Priyank Kharge, adding to the speculation over the social and regional balancing exercise underway within the party.In a message praising Siddaramaiah’s contribution, Kharge described him as a leader committed to social justice, equality and welfare politics. Jairam Ramesh also hailed Siddaramaiah’s long political journey, saying his handling of the transition had enhanced his stature and that his contribution to Karnataka’s development would endure.For the Congress, the question of succession now appears close to resolution. The bigger challenge lies in balancing competing factions as the party attempts a leadership change without disturbing the equations that brought it to power in Karnataka.