Veteran Congress leader Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on Thursday, bringing an end to his three-year tenure amid growing speculation over a leadership transition within the ruling party.
The outgoing chief minister submitted his resignation to the special secretary of Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is currently out of town. Officials said the Governor will formally review and accept the resignation upon his return.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accompanied Siddaramaiah to the Governor’s residence during the submission process, further intensifying political discussions over the state’s next leadership move.
Addressing reporters after resigning, Siddaramaiah said he stepped down voluntarily and that the Congress high command would decide who takes over as the next chief minister.
“I have given my resignation on my own accord. Whoever the high command and legislature party chooses will be the chief minister of the state,” Siddaramaiah said.
Despite repeated questions from the media, the senior Congress leader declined to indicate who might succeed him.
Reflecting on his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he had never compromised on his ideology during nearly five decades in public life.
“I never believed in making a fortune for myself. Only people’s support can bring leaders to power. Even today, I stand firmly by the values and principles I believe in,” he said.
The outgoing CM described the Constitution as “our dharma” and thanked voters, party workers, legislators, and senior Congress leaders for their continued support throughout his political career.
Siddaramaiah also expressed gratitude to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, saying he had received immense affection and support since joining the party in 2006.
He highlighted the achievements of his government and criticised the opposition for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Congress administration.
“Opposition leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claimed we would not be able to fulfill our promises and that the state treasury would collapse. But we proved them wrong,” Siddaramaiah said.
The resignation follows months of speculation over a possible power-sharing arrangement within the Karnataka Congress government. Ever since the Congress returned to power in 2023, discussions about Deputy CM DK Shivakumar eventually taking over the top post had continued within political circles.
Sources indicated Siddaramaiah is expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi later in the evening, where discussions regarding the party’s future leadership in Karnataka may continue.
The political transition now places Karnataka Congress at a crucial juncture, with the party leadership expected to announce its next chief ministerial face in the coming days.
