Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Thursday, shortly after submitting his resignation to the Governor’s Special Secretary at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Speaking to the media at a press conference held at his residence, Krishna, Siddaramaiah confirmed that he had “politely declined” an offer from the Indian National Congress high command to join the Rajya Sabha following his resignation. “The high command asked me to go to the Rajya Sabha. I declined it humbly. I am not interested in national politics,” he stated, adding that he would continue to remain active in state politics and serve as the MLA from the Varuna constituency for at least the next two years. “I will remain in state politics. The people have elected me for five years, and two years are still left. Till then, I will work for the people of Karnataka and for the people of my constituency,” he said. Siddaramaiah also emphasized that he would continue to fight against communal forces and remain grounded in Karnataka’s political landscape.
When asked about the reason behind his resignation, Siddaramaiah clarified that he had been consistent in stating that he would resign whenever the party high command asked him to do so. “What pressure? I voluntarily resigned immediately after they asked me to do so,” he responded to a question about whether there was any pressure from the party’s top brass. He further expressed gratitude toward his colleagues and the people of Karnataka for their support during his two terms as Chief Minister (2013–2018) and his subsequent tenure. “Thank you to everyone who showed me love, when I was the Chief Minister for 2 times, from 2013 to 2018. From 2013 to this day, my colleagues who worked with me on this occasion have expressed all kinds of support, cooperation and love for me. I am a friend to them, I come from a village, I never dreamed that I would one day become an MLA, a minister or a Chief Minister. I came into politics by accident because no one in my family was in politics,” he remarked.
Following Siddaramaiah’s resignation, speculation intensified over the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, with DK Shivakumar, widely regarded as the leading contender, departing for New Delhi on Thursday to meet the Congress high command. Official sources told PTI that Shivakumar arrived in Delhi later that night, though the exact date of his return remains undecided. Party sources indicated that discussions during the Delhi visit would likely focus on the selection of the new Congress Legislature Party leader, the formation of the new ministry, and organizational matters, including the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president’s post, currently held by Shivakumar. Clarity on these issues is expected within a day or two, according to sources.
Addressing questions about the next Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah maintained a neutral stance, saying, “Whoever the legislature party and the high command decide will be the chief minister of the state.” When specifically asked whether DK Shivakumar would become the next Chief Minister, his brother and former Congress MP DK Suresh responded, “Let us wait for the party's decision.” Meanwhile, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who was out of the state, is returning to Bengaluru tonight to initiate the next steps in the transition of power. Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to the Karnataka Governor.
The political developments in Karnataka come amid a period of transition following Siddaramaiah’s two terms as Chief Minister, first from 2013 to 2018 and later in his current role. His decision to step down and decline the Rajya Sabha offer underscores his commitment to continue serving at the grassroots level in state politics. As Karnataka awaits further announcements from the Congress high command, the focus remains on the upcoming decisions regarding the leadership and cabinet formation in the state.
