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EYE ON INDIA JUNE 05, 2026 | The Indian Eye 8

Siddaramaiah’s next political chapter

begins after exit as Karnataka CM

Even after stepping down as Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah appears determined to

remain the Congress party’s central political force in the state rather than shift to national politics

OUR BUREAU
Bengaluru / New Delhi

Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Karnataka
Chief Minister marks the end of a signifi-
K cant phase in state politics, but not the end
of his political relevance. If anything, the develop-
ments surrounding his exit suggest that the veteran
Congress leader is preparing for a new role — one
that could allow him to retain influence over Kar-
nataka politics while shaping the Congress party’s
future direction in the state.
The resignation came after weeks of specula-
tion about a leadership transition within the Con-
gress government. Following discussions with the
party high command, Siddaramaiah submitted his
resignation to the Governor’s office, insisting that
the decision was taken “voluntarily” and in keeping
with constitutional and party processes.
“I have resigned voluntarily. There is no pres-
sure on me,” Siddaramaiah said while addressing
the media. He repeatedly emphasised that the Con- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah join hands with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara during
gress leadership and the Congress Legislature Party a press conference, in Bengaluru on Thursday. (ANI Photo)
would decide the next Chief Minister.
The political significance of the resignation He also defended the state government’s eco- taken in the party’s interest, while Congress MP Re-
lies not merely in the transfer of power, reportedly nomic performance, arguing that Karnataka re- nuka Chowdhury called the leadership change “a
to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, but in mains “number two in GST collection” with an “8.1 step forward.”
the manner in which Siddaramaiah has positioned per cent” growth rate despite financial pressures. The larger question now is whether Siddaramaiah
himself after stepping down. Rather than accepting By foregrounding governance achievements and DK Shivakumar can maintain political balance
a transition to national politics through the Rajya and welfare delivery, Siddaramaiah appears keen to after the transition. The symbolism surrounding his
Sabha, he made it clear that Karnataka remains his protect his political legacy while ensuring that the resignation also matters politically. DK Shivakumar
political battlefield. Congress continues to benefit electorally from poli- visiting Siddaramaiah’s residence and paying re-
“The high command said I should go to Rajya cies associated with him personally. spects was widely interpreted as a public gesture of
Sabha, but I told them I will remain in Karnataka His emphasis on social justice and constitu- continuity and reconciliation. The Congress appears
politics. I will continue active politics till my last tional politics was equally important. “I bow to the aware that any perception of factional warfare could
breath,” he said. Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar,” he said, weaken the government ahead of future elections.
That statement is perhaps the clearest indica- while recalling his journey from a farmer’s family to For Siddaramaiah personally, the way forward
tion of Siddaramaiah’s future strategy. At nearly becoming Chief Minister twice. is likely to involve becoming a mentor-like figure
80, he appears unwilling to move into a ceremonial That messaging reinforces Siddaramaiah’s while remaining electorally influential. He may not
or advisory role. Instead, he is signalling that he in- long-standing political image as a leader rooted in hold executive office, but he could continue shaping
tends to remain an active power centre within Kar- backward class politics and welfare-oriented gov- candidate selection, policy priorities and caste equa-
nataka Congress politics, even without holding the ernance. For the Congress, his continued presence tions within the Karnataka Congress.
Chief Minister’s office. may help preserve its social coalition in Karnataka, His own remarks suggest that he views politics
This approach carries both opportunities and especially at a time when the BJP is attempting to less as a pursuit of office and more as a long-term
challenges for the Congress party. expand support among OBC communities. ideological and social mission. “I have never chased
On one hand, Siddaramaiah leaves office with BJP leaders immediately attempted to frame money or property. I have been in politics for nearly
substantial political capital. He remains one of Kar- the resignation as evidence of internal instability. 50 years,” he said.
nataka’s most influential mass leaders, particularly BJP spokesperson NV Subhash alleged that the The resignation therefore does not appear to be a
among backward classes, minorities and welfare Congress government had been weakened by “in- political retirement. Instead, it marks a transition from
beneficiaries. During his resignation speech, he re- ternal power struggles,” while Shehzad Poonawalla administrative leadership to political stewardship.
peatedly highlighted his government’s welfare pro- claimed that “money had overshadowed popularity.” Whether Siddaramaiah can successfully play
grammes and developmental achievements. Yet the Congress leadership has attempted to that role without overshadowing the new leadership
“In 2023, we made over 550 promises and have present the transition as orderly and consensual. will determine not only his own legacy, but also the
fulfilled 300 so far. All five guarantee schemes were AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal described stability and future direction of the Congress gov-
implemented in the first year,” he said. Siddaramaiah’s resignation as a “selfless decision” ernment in Karnataka.

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