Siddaramaiah Steps Down as Karnataka CM After High Command Directive

In a development that resolves prolonged speculation, Siddaramaiah has relinquished the post of Karnataka Chief Minister following explicit directions from the Congress high command. The 75-year-old leader, who led the party to a comfortable majority in the recent assembly elections, drove to Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to administrative officials in the absence of the Governor. Addressing journalists afterwards, he reiterated that he had always pledged to step aside whenever the central leadership deemed it necessary. Siddaramaiah underlined the party’s robust legislative strength, pointing out that every Congress MLA has already pledged support to DK Shivakumar. He reflected on his long public life, recalling two stints as Chief Minister and two as Leader of the Opposition, and thanked the Gandhis and Kharge for entrusting him with those responsibilities. Cabinet colleagues present at the morning meeting at his residence were overcome with emotion when the resignation plan was announced, an episode that further highlighted the deep personal bonds within the Siddaramaiah team. With the resignation now formally lodged, Karnataka’s political landscape is expected to stabilize quickly under new leadership.