Siddaramaiah submits resignation at Lok Bhavan in absence of Governor
Bengaluru
In a dramatic political development that marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday submitted his resignation at Lok Bhavan, adhering to the directions issued by the Congress High Command regarding the change in leadership in the State. However, the resignation could not be formally accepted as Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot was not present in Bengaluru at the time of submission.
Sources said Siddaramaiah personally handed over his resignation letter to the Governor’s Special Secretary, Prabhu Shankar, at Lok Bhavan. The Governor’s office reportedly informed the Chief Minister that the resignation could only be formally accepted upon Governor Gehlot’s return to the State capital.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah convened a meeting with his cabinet colleagues at his official residence and officially announced his decision to step down from the top post. The meeting witnessed emotional scenes as several ministers and party leaders expressed gratitude for Siddaramaiah’s leadership during his tenure.
A particularly dramatic moment unfolded when Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, widely seen as Siddaramaiah’s successor, touched the outgoing Chief Minister’s feet in a symbolic gesture of respect. The incident triggered loud applause and emotional reactions from party workers and leaders present at the residence.
Transport and Muzarai Minister Ramalinga Reddy later confirmed that there was no uncertainty regarding the next leadership in Karnataka. Speaking to blrpost.com, Reddy said, “There is absolutely no confusion over the next Chief Minister. D K Shivakumar will take over as the next CM.”
According to highly placed sources, Governor Gehlot had left Bengaluru and was in Indore when the resignation was submitted. His absence at such a politically crucial juncture has raised questions in political circles, especially amid the sensitive leadership transition within the ruling Congress government.
The sources further stated that Siddaramaiah’s resignation would remain pending until the Governor returns to Bengaluru and completes the constitutional formalities. Political observers believe the delay is procedural in nature and not indicative of any constitutional complication.
With Siddaramaiah stepping down, his cumulative tenure of nearly eight years as Karnataka Chief Minister across two terms comes to an end. His tenure was marked by major welfare schemes, political resilience, and his continued influence over backward class politics in the State.
Outside Siddaramaiah’s residence, emotions ran high among his supporters and loyalists. Several party workers raised slogans in his support, while sporadic protests were also reported against the Congress High Command for effecting the leadership change. Supporters described Siddaramaiah as a mass leader whose exit from the post had left many emotionally disappointed.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders are expected to formally elect D K Shivakumar as the legislature party leader following the completion of constitutional procedures related to Siddaramaiah’s resignation.