No nataka but hugs, tears as stage set for new CM
“Whoever the legislature party and the high command decide will be the CM ,” Siddaramaiah said. Asked about Shivakumar becoming CM, Shivakumar’s brother and former Congress MP D K Suresh added, “Let us wait for the party’s decision. ” BENGALURU: Drawing the curtains on a political career spanning nearly five decades, Siddaramaiah quietly resigned as Karnataka chief minister Thursday, ending months of speculation over a leadership change and clearing the path for KPCC chief D K Shivakumar to take charge, though the Congress is yet to formally announce a successor. However, Siddaramaiah publicly avoided naming his successor at his farewell press conference, keeping the suspense alive even as Shivakumar sat beside him smiling through the interaction.
Party insiders, however, said the leadership may still try to persuade Siddaramaiah to reconsider, as June 8 is the last date for Rajya Sabha nominations. Siddaramaiah also earlier revealed that he had declined the Congress leadership’s offer of a national role through the Rajya Sabha.
Till then, I will work for the people of Karnataka and for the people of my constituency,” he said. “I am confident the governor will accept my resignation as per constitutional provisions,” Siddaramaiah said at his post-resignation press conference. Discussions are expected on the election of the new CLP leader, cabinet composition and the future of Kar-nataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief’s post, currently held by Shivakumar, according to party sources.
“The high command asked me to go to the Rajya Sabha. I declined it humbly. I am not interested in national politics. I will remain in state politics. The people have elected me for five years, and two years are still left. Siddaramaiah visited Lok Bhavan around 3pm and submitted his resignation. Since governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot was out of Bengaluru, he handed over the resignation letter to the governor’s special secretary Prabhu Shankar. Siddaramaiah reiterated he had always maintained he would step down whenever directed by the party high command. Later in the evening, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar left for New Delhi to meet Congress leadership.
The Congress high command is expected to convene a Congress Legislature Party meeting in Bengaluru after the governor formally accepts the resignation, likely on Friday, to elect the new leader.
