Kumaraswamy Meets PM Modi as Rahul Heads Abroad Putting Portfolio Allocation on Hold

New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy met Prime Minister Narendra on Monday, the same day as Congress President Rahul Gandhi went abroad with Sonia Gandhi.

This was Kumaraswamy's first meeting with PM Modi since he took oath as the Karnataka CM after forming the government in alliance with the Congress on May 23.

"It is customary for the new Chief Minister of any state to call on the Prime Minister, soon after assuming office, in our federal set up," the Chief Minister told reporters on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi left for the latter’s medical check-up abroad. The trip has further delayed portfolio allocation in Karnataka as leaders of both parties are yet to strike a deal amid hectic discussions and frequent trips to Delhi.

"Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up. To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don't get too worked up...I'll be back soon! (sic)," the Congress president wrote on Twitter before leaving.

While Rahul Gandhi will return within a week, Sonia Gandhi will stay abroad for a longer period, sources told PTI. Former CM Siddaramaiah assured on Sunday that the ministry distribution will be finalised within three-four days.

The Congress chief held deliberations with party leaders on Saturday to decide on the portfolios, but the meeting remained inconclusive.

A dejected Kumaraswamy, when asked about the promised farm loan waiver on Sunday, said he is at the mercy of Congress.

Kumaraswamy said, “The people of the state rejected me and our party. I had sought an absolute majority. I have heard the statements of farm leaders too and how much they supported me.”

"Mine is not an independent government. I had requested the people to give me a mandate that prevents me from succumbing to any pressure other than you. But today I am at the mercy of the Congress. I am not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state," Kumaraswamy said on Sunday as Rahul and Sonia left the country.

Before his meeting with the prime minister, Kumaraswamy also met top Congress leaders in the national capital to work out power-sharing arrangement with the ally.