Siddaramaiah declines Rajya Sabha offer

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah reigned as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, ending days of speculation over a leadership change in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru after submitting his resignation, Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had directed him to step down and make way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post.

“I have submitted my resignation to the Governor’s Office. Following the instructions of the party high command, I have decided to resign,” Siddaramaiah said.

The veteran leader also revealed that the Congress leadership had offered him a Rajya Sabha seat and a possible national role in the party, but he declined the proposal.

“I have no interest in national politics. I will remain in Karnataka politics as I still have two years left as an MLA,” he stated.

The development came shortly after Siddaramaiah held a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues and senior Congress leaders, including DK Shivakumar, in Bengaluru.

Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and party general secretary KC Venugopal were also present in the state to oversee the transition process.

Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil confirmed that DK Shivakumar would be the next Chief Minister and said the transition was being carried out smoothly under the guidance of the Congress leadership.

Addressing the media, Siddaramaiah thanked the Congress leadership for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka. He said the welfare of the state and protection of constitutional values would always remain his top priority.

The outgoing Chief Minister also said he joined the Congress in 2006 and would always remain indebted to the party leadership and workers for their support throughout his political journey.

Meanwhile, supporters of Siddaramaiah gathered outside his residence and Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, protesting against his resignation.

The leadership change follows multiple rounds of meetings between Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders in Delhi earlier this week.