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Karnataka Governor accepts Siddaramaiah resignation, dissolves Council of Ministers, Siddaramaiah stays as caretaker as D K Shivakumar emerges frontrunner for Chief Minister
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses a press conference after announcing his resignation (Photo: PTI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation has been formally accepted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, with the Congress veteran set to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.
The Governor also dissolved the Council of Ministers following the acceptance of the resignation.
The development marks the culmination of days of intense political activity within the ruling Congress in Karnataka.
It clears the path for a leadership transition in the state, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emerging as the frontrunner for the top post.
Siddaramaiah had submitted a one-line resignation on Thursday, days after the Congress high command reportedly directed him to step down.
Siddaramaiah resigned two days after the Congress leadership instructed him to vacate the post amid a prolonged power tussle with Shivakumar.
Flanked by Shivakumar and several cabinet colleagues, Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference shortly after submitting his resignation to the Governor’s Special Secretary at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru.
“I have tendered my resignation from the Chief Minister’s post,” Siddaramaiah said, while expressing confidence that the Governor would accept it in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The veteran Congress leader maintained that he had always been prepared to resign whenever directed by the party leadership.
“The high command directed me two days ago to step down, and accordingly, I submitted my resignation today,” he said, thanking Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for giving him the opportunity to serve Karnataka twice as Chief Minister.
ANI reported that Siddaramaiah described his resignation as “voluntary” and insisted there was “no pressure” on him.
He added that the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) would decide the next Chief Minister.
DECLINES RAJYA SABHA OFFER, VOWS TO STAY IN STATE POLITICS
Siddaramaiah also revealed that the Congress leadership had suggested he move to the Rajya Sabha, but he turned down the proposal.
“The high command asked me to go to the Rajya Sabha. I declined it humbly. I am not interested in national politics,” he said.
ANI quoted him as saying that he would remain active in Karnataka politics “till my last breath” and continue to work for the people who elected him from the Varuna constituency.
The outgoing Chief Minister also asserted that his political career had always been rooted in ideology and constitutional values.
“I bow to the Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Siddaramaiah said, while recalling his rise from a farmer’s family to the Chief Minister’s office.
PTI reported emotional scenes outside Siddaramaiah’s official residence as supporters gathered in large numbers, urging him not to resign. The Chief Minister was seen consoling supporters as protests broke out in several parts of Karnataka against his exit.
At the same time, celebrations erupted near Shivakumar’s residence amid indications that he could soon be sworn in as the next Chief Minister.
Several Congress legislators and leaders visited Shivakumar to congratulate him.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah hosted a breakfast meeting for cabinet colleagues where, according to ministers present, he informed them of his decision to step down and indicated that Shivakumar would succeed him as per the Congress leadership’s wishes.
Photographs released by the Chief Minister’s Office showed Siddaramaiah hugging an emotional Shivakumar, while another image showed Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah’s feet and seeking his blessings.
Soon after the resignation, Siddaramaiah left for New Delhi, where discussions on the leadership transition and cabinet formation are expected to take place with the Congress high command. Shivakumar also departed for Delhi separately.
According to party sources cited by PTI, discussions are expected to include the selection of the new legislature party leader, cabinet composition, and the future of the Karnataka Congress chief’s post, currently held by Shivakumar.
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