Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday resigned as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, marking a major political transition in the state after one of the longest-serving tenures in Karnataka's political history.
Siddaramaiah visited the Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru to formally submit his resignation following a cabinet meeting held earlier in the day. He is expected to address a press conference later regarding the leadership change.
The development comes after the Congress high command reportedly decided to appoint Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister.
Karnataka Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur, considered a close associate of Siddaramaiah, described the atmosphere inside the breakfast meeting where the Chief Minister informed ministers about his resignation as deeply emotional.
"All cabinet members turned emotional when Siddaramaiah announced that he would tender his resignation. Including me, a majority of ministers could not control themselves and broke down in tears after his announcement," Timmapur told reporters.
He said there was "pin-drop silence" inside the meeting hall after Siddaramaiah made the announcement.
"After seeing ministers become emotional and break down, Siddaramaiah himself also turned emotional," Timmapur added.
According to the minister, Siddaramaiah informed the cabinet that the Congress leadership had decided to appoint D.K. Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister.
"He said that the AICC leadership had conveyed to him that Shivakumar would become the next Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah also stated that he had promised Rahul Gandhi that he would resign whenever the party asked him to do so, and that he was now honouring that promise," Timmapur said.
The minister said Siddaramaiah thanked cabinet colleagues for their cooperation and for ensuring smooth governance without major allegations during his tenure.
Timmapur praised Siddaramaiah's contribution to Karnataka politics and social justice, calling his political journey inspirational.
"He always had the determination to fight forces that came in the way of delivering justice and welfare to people. If there is anyone who could clear confusion over complex issues like internal reservation and deliver justice to oppressed communities like ours, it is Siddaramaiah," he said.
The minister also revealed that D.K. Shivakumar assured Siddaramaiah during the meeting that he would continue to seek his guidance and support after taking over leadership responsibilities.
Highlighting Siddaramaiah's role in strengthening the Congress party in Karnataka, Timmapur said the leader successfully empowered the organisation during his tenure as Chief Minister.
Speaking emotionally about his own political journey, Timmapur credited Siddaramaiah for reviving his political career.
"I was defeated three times and sidelined politically. At a time when I felt my political career had ended, Siddaramaiah made me an MLC and later inducted me into the cabinet. If I am sitting here today as a minister, the reason is Siddaramaiah and the Congress party," he said.
Timmapur further praised Siddaramaiah for standing firmly in support of social justice and representation for oppressed communities.
"When questions were raised over why I should be given representation in the cabinet, Siddaramaiah courageously defended the decision and explained the reasons behind it. Similarly, on internal reservation, he always believed that those struggling for food and livelihood should receive justice and opportunities. He has the heart of a mother," he remarked.
According to Timmapur, Siddaramaiah also spoke during the meeting about the party's future direction, ideology and the need to strengthen democracy in the country.
"He cited examples of electoral victories in states like West Bengal and shared his concerns about the future of democracy in the country," the minister added.
