Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that he was offered a Rajya Sabha seat by the party high command but he declined the offer to serve the people of the state.
Addressing a press conference after tendering his resignation as CM, Siddaramaiah said that he conveyed to the high command that he is not interested in national politics.
“They asked me to go to Rajya Sabha, I have politely told them no, saying I want to remain in state politics and I am not interested in national politics. I have two more years as an MLA, I will serve my people. I will continue in active politics,” he told reporters.
Following a meeting with Congress top leaders on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation from the post of Karnataka Chief Minister to the Governor’s office.
“I have given my resignation after the suggestion by the high command… I will continue in state politics and I’ll keep fighting against the criminal forces… I will continue in Karnataka politics till my last breath,” Siddaramaiah said.
Stating that there was no pressure behind his decision and that he “resigned voluntarily”, Siddaramaiah said, “I have resigned voluntarily. There is no pressure on me. The Congress Legislature Party and the high command will take the decision for the next Chief Minister. The Governor will take action through constitutional procedures. Soon, the people of the state will see a new Chief Minister.”
Siddaramaiah also got emotional while reflecting on his tenure. He expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities provided by senior party leadership, specifically thanking Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for the chance to serve as Chief Minister twice.
Furthermore, the senior Congress leader referred to actor Dr. Rajkumar and said he considers voters as divine.
“The great actor Dr. Rajkumar used to call his fans ‘Abhimani Devaru’ (Gods who are fans). I am a politician who considers the Constitution itself as my religion. For me, the voters are ‘Matadara Devaru’ (Gods who are voters),” he said.
He added that his decades-long political journey was rooted in public trust. “I am one who bows to love and trust, not one who takes decisions under pressure or influence. I have submitted this resignation letter very happily and wholeheartedly,” he added.