BENGALURU: Unlike his combative political image and reputation for taking on rivals head-on, Siddaramaiah ’s exit as chief minister unfolded with unusual calm, restraint and political maturity, surprising critics and close associates alike.
The 77-year-old maintained a dignified silence in public after returning from New Delhi on Tuesday night following meetings with the Congress high command.
“We don’t know whether it was out of loyalty to the Gandhis or because of the political future of his son, Yathindra, but he made it clear that party discipline was of utmost importance,” an MLA said. “That message prevented any major confrontation.” There was no public display of anger, disappointment or bitterness despite being asked to step down midway through his tenure.
He revealed it was Sonia Gandhi , Congress parliamentary party chairperson, who invited him to join Congress after he was expelled from JD(S) in 2006. “Rahul gave me an opportunity to become CM twice and allowed me to continue as CLP leader for 17 years.
“He behaved like a statesman accepting the party’s decision gracefully,” a minister said. “I will always be grateful to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi ,” Siddaramaiah said. At the breakfast meeting Thursday, Siddaramaiah appeared composed even as many of his cabinet colleagues broke down. At a press conference after submitting his resignation at Lok Bhavan, Siddaramaiah struck a reflective tone while recalling his long political journey. Siddaramaiah’s restrained conduct stood in sharp contrast to the aggressive political style that marked his rise in politics. He built his career by taking on powerful rivals, especially former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda ’s family, after his expulsion from JD(S). He also went up against G Janardhan Reddy and his associates by undertaking a 320km padayatra from Bengaluru to Ballari against alleged illegal mining. Within Congress too, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar were often seen as rival power centres, engaged in an uneasy balancing act. During Siddaramaiah’s first tenure as CM, Shivakumar was initially kept out of the cabinet and was inducted only after the party high command intervened.