Bengaluru, May 29 -- Former Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday said outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would continue to play a key role in Karnataka politics and guide both the Congress party and the state government despite stepping down from the top post.

Speaking to ANI, Khandre described Siddaramaiah as a senior and "mass" leader whose presence would remain important for the party.

"Siddaramaiah has already made it clear that he has resigned on his own. He is a very senior leader, a mass leader. He has also made it clear that he will remain in politics in Karnataka and he will guide the party and the Government," Khandre said.

Khandre also stressed the need for adequate representation of the Lingayat community in the ne...