Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Thursday after months of speculation, paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to assume the top post. Prabhu Shankar, special secretary to the governor, confirmed that the resignation letter has been received but can only be accepted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot upon his return from Nagda, Madhya Pradesh.
Transition of Power
The development came hours after Siddaramaiah reportedly informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down during a breakfast meeting at his residence. The Congress party had worked diligently during the months-long tussle for the chief minister's chair to ensure an amicable transition of power. This was evident from photos shared by the Karnataka Congress on social media, showing Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in a display of unity, with the caption: "Unity is our strength!" In one image, Shivakumar is seen touching Siddaramaiah's feet and seeking his blessings.
Party High Command's Role
The resignation follows a series of meetings in New Delhi, where the Congress high command reportedly asked Siddaramaiah to make way for a leadership change in the state. He was offered a national role in the party along with a Rajya Sabha seat, though he did not immediately accept the offer. Sources indicate that the decision may have been influenced by a direct message from top party leader Rahul Gandhi, as Siddaramaiah had repeatedly stated he would step down if the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha asked him to do so.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were summoned to Delhi on Tuesday for back-to-back meetings at the Congress headquarters involving Rahul Gandhi, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and party general secretaries KC Venugopal and Surjewala.
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