Karnataka Political Shift: Siddaramaiah Resigns as Chief Minister
Major Political Development in Karnataka
A significant update has emerged from Karnataka's political landscape. The ongoing leadership struggle in the state has finally reached a conclusion. According to sources, Governor Thawarchand Gehlot has accepted the resignation of senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah from the position of Chief Minister. This official acceptance occurred after the governor returned to Bengaluru on Thursday evening. Earlier that day, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the governor's special secretary, Prabhu Shankar, in the absence of the governor at the Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. This resignation comes just two days after directives from the party's high command, effectively ending the intense power struggle with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and paving the way for new leadership in the state. The resignation was accepted by special secretary Prabhu Shankar in the absence of Governor Thawarchand Gehlot.
D.K. Shivakumar Expected to Take Oath Soon
Sources indicate that D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister, is likely to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister on either June 1 or June 3. On Thursday, it was reported that Siddaramaiah has endorsed his deputy for the role of his successor and has urged everyone to support him. This announcement was made during a meeting with his cabinet colleagues and legislators.
Siddaramaiah's Press Conference After Resignation
Following his resignation, Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference, stating that the party's high command had requested him to step down, emphasizing that the state's interests are paramount. He mentioned that he had previously offered to resign on several occasions. Additionally, he revealed that he had been offered a seat in the Rajya Sabha but declined it, asserting that he was elected by the people of Karnataka for a five-year term and intends to continue serving them.
Gratitude to Party Leaders
Siddaramaiah expressed his gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for the opportunity he was given, while also affirming that the state government still holds a full majority. He stated, "I have submitted my resignation to the governor's office. The governor is not here; he will return tonight. Therefore, I submitted my resignation to his office. I have fulfilled my promise, and when the high command asked me to do so, I resigned from the (Chief Minister's) position."
The Script for Change Written in Delhi
The script for this significant political change in Karnataka was drafted in Delhi on Tuesday. The Congress high command summoned Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar unexpectedly to the party headquarters. A series of high-profile meetings took place, involving Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, K.C. Venugopal, and Randeep Surjewala. During these discussions, the party leadership urged Siddaramaiah to hand over the reins of Karnataka to D.K. Shivakumar and facilitate a smooth transition, which Siddaramaiah agreed to upon returning to Bengaluru. All eyes are now on the grand swearing-in ceremony expected in the first week of June.