BENGALURU: As Karnataka gears up for a leadership change, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday said he has submitted his resignation “voluntarily” after a suggestion from the party high command, while firmly asserting that he will continue in state politics and not move to the Rajya Sabha.
Following directives from the party high command, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the post of Karnataka Chief Minister to the Governor’s office.
“I have given my resignation after the suggestion by the high command… I will continue in state politics and I’ll keep fighting against the criminal forces. I have told the same thing to the high command that I don’t want to go to Rajya Sabha and I will continue in Karnataka politics till my last breath,” Siddaramaiah said while addressing a press conference.
#WATCH | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy DK Shivakumar, Home Minister G Parameshwara and other Congress MLAs display a show of strength.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to Karnataka Governor. Governor Thaawarchand… pic.twitter.com/LtsmnhmHl6
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He further said that the party leadership had suggested his elevation to the Rajya Sabha, but he declined the offer. “The high command said, ‘Come to Rajya Sabha’ and I told them very humbly that I will remain in state politics, not national politics. People have elected me for five years. Till then, I will do active politics”, he added.
Stating that there was no pressure behind his decision and “resigned voluntarily”, Siddaramaiah said, “I have resigned voluntarily, there is no pressure on me. The Congress legislature party and the high command will take the decision for the next Chief Minister. The Governor will take action through constitutional procedures. Soon, the people of the state will see a new Chief Minister”.
Siddaramaiah got emotional while he spoke about his tenure. He expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities provided by senior party leadership, specifically thanking Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for the chance to serve as Chief Minister twice.
Furthermore, the senior Congress leader referred to actor Dr Rajkumar and said he considers voters as divine. “The great actor Dr Rajkumar used to call his fans ‘Abhimani Devaru’ (Gods who are fans). I am a politician who considers the Constitution itself as my religion. For me, the voters are ‘Matadara Devaru’ (Gods who are voters),” he said.
He added that his decades-long political journey was rooted in public trust. “I am one who bows to love and trust, not one who takes decisions under pressure or influence. I have submitted this resignation letter very happily and wholeheartedly,” he said.
Recalling his background, Siddaramaiah said, “Coming from a farmer family, I never dreamt I would become an MLA, minister or Chief Minister. It is the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar that made this possible. I bow to the Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar”. He also said he remains indebted to the people of Karnataka. “In nearly four-and-a-half decades of public life, the people made me an MLA, minister and Chief Minister twice. I am indebted to the voter-gods,” he said.
Referring to allegations and political attacks, he said he had faced sustained opposition. “At every step I have been subjected to hatred, envy, deceit and conspiracy. Not only me, but my family too has been targeted. False allegations were made even against my wife, who stayed away from politics,” he said, adding that despite this, he chose to continue public service.
Siddaramaiah also listed the government’s achievements, claiming progress in social welfare and development. “We are moving up in the Human Development Index. Guarantee schemes have provided social security. Hunger-free Karnataka is being built. Malnutrition has reduced, and health services are improving,” he said.
He added that the government handled natural calamities effectively and pushed irrigation and agriculture reforms. “Farmers have developed confidence due to scientific price fixation and irrigation projects. Our stand on land, water and language protection has won the hearts of Kannadigas,” he said.
Claiming administrative milestones, he said, “I am satisfied I got the opportunity to present the highest number of budgets in the state’s history. In 17 budgets, I prioritised social justice and development.”
On welfare schemes, he said the government had largely fulfilled its promises. “In 2013, we made 163 promises and fulfilled 158. In 2023, we made over 550 promises and have fulfilled 300 so far. All five guarantee schemes were implemented in the first year,” he said.
He also criticised opposition claims regarding the state’s finances and alleged withholding of central funds. “It was said there would be no money for development, and the treasury would collapse. Karnataka is number two in GST collection, and our growth rate is 8.1 per cent,” he said.
He further added, “The fiscal deficit is within 3 per cent as per norms. Debt is within limits. Revenue deficit exists due to denial of funds by the Centre, including GST compensation, Jal Jeevan Mission funds and other allocations. Otherwise, we would have been in surplus.”
Siddaramaiah said he has never been driven by power or wealth. “I have never chased money or property. I have been in politics for nearly 50 years. I will be 80 in 2028. This is a book of my political life. Only those with people’s support and values can survive in politics,” he said.
The resignation follows a high-level meeting at the CM’s official residence, ‘Cauvery,’ where Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen paying respects to Siddaramaiah, a gesture interpreted as a symbolic passing of the torch. While the resignation has been submitted to the Special Secretary to the Governor, Prabhu Shankar, it is yet to be accepted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is currently enroute to Bengaluru. (ANI)
