Siddaramaiah Denies Quitting, Says He Has Not Resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister
Veteran Congress leader submits resignation to Governor’s office, thanks party leadership for opportunity to serve Karnataka twice
BENGALURU, May 28: Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced his resignation as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, stating that he stepped down following directions from the party’s central leadership.
Addressing a crowded press conference in Bengaluru, the 77 year old leader confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to the Governor’s office. As Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away from the city, the letter was handed over to the Governor’s Special Secretary, Prabhu Shankar.
“I have tendered my resignation from the post of Chief Minister. I believe the Governor will act on it in accordance with Constitutional provisions,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.
The outgoing Chief Minister said he had consistently maintained that he would relinquish the post whenever instructed by the Congress high command. According to Siddaramaiah, the party leadership conveyed its decision two days ago, following which he completed the formal resignation process on Thursday.
“The high command asked me to resign, and I have complied with the directive. I remain grateful to the party leadership for giving me the chance to serve the people of Karnataka on two occasions,” he said.
Siddaramaiah also expressed gratitude to senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for their trust and support during his tenure.
His resignation marks a major political development in Karnataka and is expected to trigger discussions within the Congress regarding the next leadership arrangement in the state. Party insiders indicated that consultations are likely to continue over the selection of the new Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah, regarded as one of Karnataka’s most influential mass leaders, played a key role in strengthening the Congress in the state and led the party to significant electoral victories during his political career.
The resignation comes amid growing speculation over leadership transition plans within the Karnataka Congress, though party leaders have not officially announced the name of his successor so far.
