The much - expected significant political development has taken place today. Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, at last, joined the Congress today in the presence of Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi at a meeting at 10, Janpath here, which lasted nearly 30 minutes from 12 noon.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh, KPCC President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Minister H. K. Patil, AICC (I) General Secretary in - charge of Karnataka A. K. Antony and Sonia Gandhi's Political Secretary Ahmed Patel were present at the meeting.

According to sources, Sonia Gandhi announced the admission of Siddaramaiah into the party.

There were 12 members in the delegation of Siddaramaiah in the meeting. They included MLAs M. K. Somashekhar, Dr. H. C. Mahadevappa, V. Venkatesh, Vyjanath Patil, MLC B.R. Patil and State AHINDA Youth Wing President M. Appanna. The Congress supremo will formally announce the Siddaramaiah’s admission into the party at a press conference this evening 4 O'clock.

Hundreds of his supporters burst crackers as folk troupes beat drums when Siddaramaiah arrived at Karnataka Bhavan from 10, Janpath after the meeting.

Over a thousand fans land in Delhi:
More than a thousand followers and fans of former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have landed in Delhi to witness their leader's entry to Congress.

His followers from different parts of the State are staying in many hotels and guest houses since a week waiting for their leader's arrival.

Siddaramaiah will host a dinner for them tonight at Karnataka Bhavan here.

He will return to Bangalore tomorrow.

Breakfast at Sharavana:
Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh had breakfast together before meeting Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi today. Siddaramaiah and Dharam Singh came to Hotel Sharavana, located in Janpath area, along with about 200 followers for breakfast.

They had Idli, vada, dosa, upma and some enjoyed their vada followed by coffee, tea and fruit juice.

Senior leaders like H. Vishwanath, H. M. Revanna, Anjanamurthy and Krishnappa as well as MLAs supporting him joined Siddaramaiah for breakfast.

Siddaramaiah arrived here last night around 11. 30 accompanied by Dharam Singh.