In a major leadership transition in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation as the state’s Chief Minister on Thursday. This comes after Karnataka Minister HK Patil on Thursday confirmed that Siddaramaiah will resign and that Deputy CM DK Shivakumar would take over as the next Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to the Karnataka Governor. Notably, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is out of the state, is returning tonight.
Prabhu Shankar, according to ANI, said, “I have received the resignation of Siddaramaiah (as the CM), but only the Governor can accept it after he returns.” Earlier, Governor Gehlot left for his residence in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh.
‘I am fully confident…’: Siddaramaiah
At a press conference today, Karnataka’s outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed that he stepped down from his post upon instructions from the Congress party high command.
“I have submitted my resignation today after the high command told me earlier to resign. I am fully confident that the Governor will accept it when he comes because it has to be done according to the Constitution…We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed (to form govt)…I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity,” he said.
Siddaramaiah arrived at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru alongside Shivakumar to tender his resignation. The two leaders reached the venue following a high-level breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Kaveri.’
During the breakfast meeting, DK Shivakumar was seen touching the feet of Siddaramaiah in a gesture viewed as symbolic of the leadership transition. The two leaders also shared a warm embrace in front of party leaders and ministers gathered at the residence.
Several senior Karnataka Ministers, including Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy and HK Patil, attended the meeting amid tight security arrangements outside the venue.
Celebrations outside DKS’ residence
Celebrations broke out at Shivakumar’s residence on Thursday after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his decision to resign as Karnataka CM, as per IANS.
Following this, many of Shivakumar’s supporters gathered outside his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru.
