Siddaramaiah gets emotional after resigning as Karnataka CM
NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced his resignation from the top post, paving the way for deputy CM DK Shivakumar to likely take over after months of speculation over a leadership transition in the Congress government.Siddaramaiah said he stepped down after being directed by the Congress high command and expressed confidence that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot would accept his resignation in line with constitutional provisions.The resignation was submitted to the Governor’s special secretary as Gehlot was out of Bengaluru.Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah became emotional while defending his government’s record, saying his administration fulfilled most of its promises and implemented all five guarantee schemes despite sustained attacks from the Opposition. Shivakumar accompanied Siddaramaiah during the resignation process, and the two leaders shared a warm embrace earlier in the day at the CM’s residence.
Here are the top quotes by Siddaramaiah
On resignation and Congress high command
- “I have tendered my resignation from the chief minister’s post.”
- “I had said time and again that I will resign whenever high command tells me.”
- “High command directed me two days ago to step down, accordingly I submitted my resignation today.”
- “I have submitted my resignation today after the high command told me earlier to resign.”
- “Governor will look into my resignation letter after coming back from his tour and I am confident that he will accept it as it is a constitutional action.”
- “We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed (to form govt).”
- “Whoever is selected by the Congress legislative party and the high command will be the next CM.”
On promises, guarantees and governance
- “I haven’t deviated from promises I made.”
- “We have made a sincere effort to fulfil the promises made to the people of the state. We have not broken our word.”
- “I have kept my word.”
- “Of 550 promises made, about 300 have been fulfilled so far along with five guarantees.”
- “I have fulfilled around 300 promises made in 2023; this has brought satisfaction to me and my party.”
- “They said that there will be no money for development work, and the treasury will be empty.”
- “After the guarantee was implemented, we are number 1 in the entire country in terms of income. We are second in GST collection.”
- “Karnataka now ranks first in the country in per capita income.”
On Opposition attacks and ideology
- “Opposition built many false narratives against me.”
- “They have spread misinformation against me, including Prime Minister Modi.”
- “I will fight against those who work against Constitution.”
- “I will fight against communal forces till my last breath.”
- “Because these communal forces are against the constitution.”
- “Never have I compromised on this state’s land, water or language.”
On personal life and political journey
- “I neither chased money nor craved building properties; my political life is an open book.”
- “I became CM accidentally; never had anyone from my family in politics.”
- “I was a villager and never imagined that I would become an MLA, leader, opposition leader and a CM.”
- “Always believed that the entire society should live like a family, with social and economic equality.”
- “As a politician, I regard the Constitution as my religion and the voters as my gods.”
On Congress leadership and future plans
- “I got opportunity to serve people of Karnataka twice, I thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge.”
- “I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity.”
- “Congress top brass offered me Rajya Sabha seat, I politely declined it as I have no interest in national politics.”
- “I am not interested in national politics and will remain in state politics.”
Siddaramaiah’s resignation comes after intense discussions within the Congress leadership in Delhi over a leadership change in Karnataka.
The Congress high command had been working for months to ensure a smooth transition and avoid a public power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. The outgoing chief minister also thanked Congress workers, MLAs, MPs and cabinet colleagues for supporting him during both his terms in office — from 2013 to 2018 and from 2023 till now.He said he would continue to remain active in politics and fight for constitutional values and social justice.
