Also read: ‘No interest in national politics’: Siddaramaiah rejects Rajya Sabha seat
He resigned as Karnataka CM, paving the way for his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to take over the top job. Soon after submitting his resignation, Siddaramaiah told the media that his action came in deference to the party high command’s instructions. The party high command and the legislature party will decide on the new leader, he said.
According to an official confirmation issued from Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, Gehlot also dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by Siddaramaiah with immediate effect. However, Siddaramaiah will continue as CM until alternative arrangements are made.
“In exercise of the powers conferred on me under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India, I, THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT, Governor of Karnataka, have accepted the resignation of Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah shall continue to function as Chief Minister till alternative arrangements are made,” the official order from the Governor’s office stated.
Also read: 4 Deputy CMs likely as DK Shivakumar set to take charge in Karnataka, berth for Siddaramiah’s son in focus
The ruling Congress is said to plan the next moves as it will schedule the Congress Legislature Party meeting, where MLAs will formally choose their new leader.Siddaramaiah thanked Sonia Gandhi for admitting him into Congress two decades ago and Rahul Gandhi for the opportunities given to him.
The outgoing CM confirmed that the All India Congress Committee had offered him a nomination to the Rajya Sabha, but he had politely declined the offer. “I have never been interested in national politics,” he said, adding that he still had two more years of term as MLA.
However, he said he will remain active in state politics and continue to fight for social justice and against forces of communalism that oppose the Constitution “until my last breath.”
The oath-taking ceremony of Siddaramaiah’s successor is unlikely to happen this week, people familiar with the matter told ET.
