Karnataka Politics Highlights: Was offered Rajya Sabah offer, I want to remain in state politics says Siddaramaiah

The special flight carrying Siddaramaiah has landed in Jaipur instead of Delhi due to adverse weather conditions. State in charge, AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, Ministers KJ George, Bairati Suresh, Legal Advisor Ponnanna, Legislative Council Member Dr Yatindra, AICC Secretary Abhishek Dutt are also on the flight.

Siddaramaiah, who stepped down as the Chief Minister of Karnataka and DK Shivakumar, who is expected to succeed him, are both on their way to Delhi for meetings with the Congress leadership.

"We will wait for some more time... Let everyone wait for the party's decision," Congress leader and brother of Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said.

“The Constitution itself is my religion; the people are the gods in my corner. My resignation is limited only to the post of Chief Minister, not to active politics.

Until my last breath, I will continue to fight for social justice and against forces of communalism that oppose the Constitution,” Siddaramaiah said in a post on X.

"They have asked me to go to the Rajya Sabha, I have politely told them no, saying I want to remain in state politics, and I am not interested in national politics. I have two more years as an MLA; I will serve my people. I will continue in active politics," Siddaramaiah said.

“I come from a village; I never dreamed that I would one day become an MLA, a minister, or a Chief Minister. I came into politics by accident because no one in my family was in politics," Siddaramaiah said in the press conference after announcing his resignation.

Speaking about his achievements as the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said as many as 158 of the 165 promises made in the manifesto have been fulfilled so far. “We also announced five guarantee schemes and implemented them in the first year of the government's term,” he said.

Siddaramaiah, who resigned as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Thursday, said he was thankful to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of the state twice.

"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), says Siddaramaia.

'High command directed me two days ago to step down; accordingly, I submitted my resignation today,' says Siddaramaiah

'Since Guv Thaawarchand Gehlot is not in city, I gave my resignation letter to his special secretary, ' says Siddaramaiah

“He has been mired in corruption, scandals, and appeasement politics. Leaving all that aside, reports in newspapers and the media are highlighting the way Rahul Gandhi has treated him. It is yet another example of how the Congress party in Karnataka is treating one of its most prominent leaders," Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chowdhury on Thursday said outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue to contribute in different capacities.

DK Shivakumar has been a wonderful support to everyone. All have been looking forward to this. With Siddaramaiah's experience, DK Shivkumar will lead in a very dynamic and positive way," she said.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is on a visit to Indore, Ujjain and Mumbai, will reportedly return to the state by Thursday evening following the political developments. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will resign in the next couple of hours to make way for DK Shivakumar.

BJP Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Thursday said Karnataka should have a Dalit as the Chief Minister. He also said that after Siddaramaiah steps down as the CM, many Dalit leaders and workers may no longer remain in Congress.