‘I’ve resigned, now it’s up to the high command’: Siddaramaiah leaves Karnataka guessing as CM race stays open

Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka chief minister on Thursday afternoon after serving in the post for three years, marking a major political transition in the Congress-led government in the state.

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar accompanied Siddaramaiah to Raj Bhavan during the submission of the resignation. Since Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was out of town, the resignation letter was submitted to the Governor’s special secretary, who said the resignation would be formally accepted once the Governor returned.

Addressing reporters after tendering his resignation, Siddaramaiah thanked the Congress leadership for its continued support and affection. He said he expected the Governor to accept his resignation upon return and allow the next chief minister to assume office in accordance with constitutional procedure.

“I have given my resignation on my own accord. Whoever the high command and legislature party chooses will be the CM of the state,” Siddaramaiah said, without indicating who would succeed him.

‘Never compromised on my ideology’

Reflecting on his long political journey, Siddaramaiah said he had never compromised on his principles during nearly five decades in public life.

“I never believed in making a fortune for myself. I became a taluk board member and then an MLA in 1983. It will be nearly 50 years in politics in 2028. Only those with people’s power can come to power. Even today, I stand by the values I believe in and I have never compromised on my ideology,” he said.

Calling the Constitution “our dharma”, Siddaramaiah said voters were like deities and well-wishers for elected representatives. He added that he had been fortunate to serve twice as Karnataka chief minister and twice as leader of the opposition.

Thanks Congress leadership, colleagues

Siddaramaiah thanked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for their support, saying he had received “immense love and affection” from party leaders, workers and legislators since joining the Congress in 2006.

He also expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues and legislators who worked with him during both his terms as chief minister — from 2013 to 2018 and again from 2023 till now — for extending full cooperation and support.

The outgoing chief minister also took aim at the opposition, alleging that political rivals, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had attempted to spread rumours about him and his government.

“Opposition tried to spread rumours about me, including the PM of the country. They said I would not be able to fulfil the promises and that the state coffers would go empty. But we have proven everyone wrong,” Siddaramaiah said.

Likely meeting with Rahul Gandhi

Sources said Siddaramaiah is expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi later on Thursday, where he may discuss his future political plans.

Speculation over a leadership transition had intensified earlier in the day after Siddaramaiah held a breakfast meeting with several Cabinet ministers, including DK Shivakumar. Pictures of the two leaders embracing after the meeting further fuelled buzz over a possible change in leadership.

Talk of a power-sharing arrangement and differences within the Congress government had persisted since the party returned to power in Karnataka in 2023. While Siddaramaiah was chosen as chief minister at the time, sections within the party had continued to push for Shivakumar to eventually take over the post.