"We are in absolute majority, Constitution is our religion": Siddaramaiah after resigning from Karnataka CM post
Bengaluru, May 28
In a significant political development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on Thursday, marking a pivotal transition for the state's Congress-led government.
Following directives from the party high command, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor's office, emphasising his commitment to constitutional processes.
During a press conference, the outgoing Chief Minister declared, "I am a politician and I have understood that the constitution is our religion. Voters are fans, God. I had the opportunity to speak to 7 crore people of Kannada Nadu. I had the opportunity to become the Chief Minister twice. I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity."
He stressed that despite his resignation, the Congress party maintains an "absolute majority" with 135+1 seats and the support of two independents. "Our party has won 135+1 seats. In addition, two independents have also supported our government. We are in the absolute majority."
The resignation follows a high-level meeting at the CM's official residence, 'Kaveri,' where Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen paying respects to Siddaramaiah, a gesture interpreted as a symbolic passing of the torch.
"I have submitted my resignation today after the high command told me to resign earlier. I am fully confident that the Governor will accept it when he comes. Because it has to be done according to the constitution. Their procedure is up to them. Once the Chief Minister resigns, the next Chief Minister should allow it; that is their responsibility. We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is Constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed to form the government."
Siddaramaiah 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.
"I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity," he said.
While the resignation has been submitted to the Special Secretary to the Governor, Prabhu Shankar, it awaits formal acceptance by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, who is currently travelling to Bengaluru.
This comes after growing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, which recently completed three years of Congress rule. Several senior ministers, including HK Patil, Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil and Ramalinga Reddy, were present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has reportedly departed from Nagda for Indore by road and is scheduled to travel to Bengaluru by flight.
Following the development, supporters of Shivakumar gathered outside his residence in Bengaluru, distributing sweets in anticipation of his elevation. In Kalaburagi, members of the Indian Youth Congress performed a special puja at the Shri Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, seeking that Priyank Kharge be appointed Deputy Chief Minister if the leadership change goes through.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's a smooth transition for Congress in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah handing over to DK Shivakumar shows party discipline and respect for high command. But hope the new CM focuses on development and not just power-sharing. Karnataka needs stable governance.
Interesting to see how Congress manages internal dynamics. Siddaramaiah's exit is dignified but one wonders if this was purely voluntary. Anyway, the party has absolute majority so no threat to stability. Let's see what Shivakumar brings to the table.
Constitution is our religion indeed! In a time when many question secularism, this statement from a senior leader like Siddaramaiah reaffirms the foundational values of our republic. Best wishes to him and the incoming CM. 🙏
Watching Indian politics from abroad, this is impressive. The peaceful transition of power within the same party, with clear constitutional processes being followed, shows maturity. Siddaramaiah's respect for the party high command is also noteworthy. Democratic spirit is alive in India.
Good to see Congress following its internal rotation policy. However, I'm a bit skeptical about the timing. Why now? Three years into the term seems odd for a change. Hope there's proper reasoning behind this and not just political calculations.
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