Siddaramaiah, who tendered his resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister on Thursday, said he would continue to be active in Karnataka politics. The veteran leader has clearly put to rest speculations that he will move into national politics or the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking at a press conference soon after submitting his resignation to Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had offered him a Rajya Sabha berth, but he rejected the proposal.
“They asked me to take over the Rajya Sabha post, so I politely told them no, saying that I want to stay in state politics and am not interested in national politics. I have two more years as MLA, and I will serve my people. I will continue in active politics. I have tendered my resignation of my own volition,” Siddaramaiah said.
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The outgoing Chief Minister also made it clear that the decision on the next chief minister of Karnataka will be in the hands of the Congress leadership and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP).
“Whoever the high command and CLP choose will be the prime minister of the state,” he said.
Leadership transition in Karnataka Congress
Siddaramaiah’s remarks came amid dramatic political developments in Karnataka, where the Congress leadership is moving ahead with the long-debated leadership transition in the state. There is still anticipation about who will be the next prime minister.
Sources had earlier indicated that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is the most likely candidate to take charge.
The transition comes after months of speculation about a possible power-sharing arrangement within the Karnataka Congress, a formula that has emerged time and again since the party’s landslide victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.
Siddaramaiah had earlier publicly asserted that there was no formal agreement on rotation of prime ministership, even as party insiders admitted that there were intense negotiations between factions loyal to him and Shivakumar.
Siddaramaiah to remain a major player in state politics
Despite stepping down, Siddaramaiah noted that he will continue to play an important role in Karnataka politics.
Siddaramaiah, a mass leader with a strong support base for Ahinda – representing minorities, backward castes and Dalits – remains one of the most influential Congress figures in the state.
Congress leaders said the party would look to benefit from Siddaramaiah’s experience during the remaining term of the Assembly term and in the preparations for the next elections.
The Congress Legislative Party is expected to officially elect its new leader later on Thursday, after consultations with central observers dispatched by the party’s senior leadership.
