Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on Thursday afternoon after completing three years in office. He submitted his resignation at Raj Bhavan, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Since Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was out of station, Siddaramaiah handed over the resignation to the Governor's special secretary. Officials said the resignation can be formally accepted only after the Governor returns, Hindustan Times reported.
"I have given my resignation": Siddaramaiah
Speaking to reporters after stepping down, Siddaramaiah said he had acted in line with the party high command's direction.
"I have given my resignation from the post of Chief Minister at Raj Bhavan. I have been saying this for a while that whenever the high command asks me, I will tender my resignation. I am confident that my resignation will be accepted by the Governor when he is back, as it is mandated by the constitution. We have a majority and letting the next CM (take charge) is a constitutional (mandate)," he said.
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He added that the Constitution was central to public life and described voters as the foundation of democracy.
The outgoing CM thanked senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, for their support. He also expressed gratitude to party workers and legislators who worked with him during his two tenures, as reported by HT.
Leadership transition in Karnataka
Siddaramaiah said his government had fulfilled its commitments despite criticism from the opposition.
He said, "The opposition tried to spread rumours about me, including the PM of the country. They said I would not be able to fulfill the promises, and they said the coffers would go empty. But we have proven everyone wrong".
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He is expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi later in the day, sources told HT.
Speculation over leadership change grew after a breakfast meeting involving Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar and several ministers. Reports of differences and a possible power-sharing arrangement have persisted since the Congress formed the government in Karnataka in 2023.
