Hours after resigning as Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah stated that he was not stepping away from active politics, making it clear that his focus would continue to remain on the state rather than national politics.
Speaking to reporters, the senior Congress leader said he had turned down a proposal to move to the Rajya Sabha, indicating that he intended to stay involved in Karnataka’s political landscape even after vacating the top post.
Siddaramaiah Rules Out Rajya Sabha Role
“I was asked to go to Rajya Sabha but I have politely told that I cannot. I have interest in state politics. People have elected me for 5 years, there are another 2 years left. I will be here," Siddaramaiah said.
His remarks also appeared to rule out speculation that the Congress leadership may shift him to Delhi following the leadership change in Karnataka.
DK Shivakumar Set To Succeed Siddaramaiah
The Congress leader tendered his resignation earlier in the day, citing directions from the Congress high command. He submitted his resignation to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to the Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. The Governor, who is out of the state, is returning tonight.
“I have submitted my resignation to the Governor’s Office. The Governor is not here; he is returning tonight. So, I submitted the resignation to his office," he said. The outgoing CM said he had repeatedly maintained that he would step down whenever directed by the Congress high command, and added that his resignation came in line with the party leadership’s instructions.
Emotional Exit After Resignation Announcement
The septuagenarian was visibly emotional while announcing his resignation, as he reflected on his political journey and said he had never imagined that he would one day lead the state. He made way for fellow Congress veteran DK Shivakumar to take over the top post. Addressing a press conference after submitting his resignation to the Governor’s office, Siddaramaiah said he came from a village background and had entered politics unexpectedly.
“I come from a village. I never imagined I would become a politician, Chief Minister or Leader of Opposition. I joined politics by chance because no one from my family was in this field," he said.
“I have submitted my resignation today after the high command told me earlier to resign. I am fully confident that the Governor will accept it when he comes because it has to be done according to the Constitution…We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed (to form govt)…I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity," he further said.
