GUWAHATI: Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on Thursday, May 28, after months of speculation, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to take over the top post.
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In his farewell remarks, Siddaramaiah said he would continue to remain active in state politics and rejected the Congress high command’s reported offer of a Rajya Sabha seat. The veteran leader also asserted that he would continue fighting against communal forces and work to uphold the Indian Constitution.
One of the Congress party’s most prominent OBC leaders with significant mass appeal, Siddaramaiah’s exit marks the end of one of the most enduring political tenures in Karnataka politics.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah informed his Cabinet about his resignation during a closely watched breakfast meeting. Shivakumar, who was present at the meeting, was seen embracing Siddaramaiah and touching his feet to seek blessings, signalling an imminent leadership transition in the state.
Known for his welfare-driven politics and strong OBC mobilisation, Siddaramaiah became Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister earlier this year, surpassing his political mentor D. Devaraj Urs.
The resignation is expected to formally clear the path for Shivakumar to assume leadership of the Congress government in Karnataka.