Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah turned emotional while announcing his resignation on Thursday, reflecting on his political journey and saying he never imagined he would one day lead the
state as he made way for fellow Congress veteran DK Shivakumar to take over the top post.
Addressing a press conference after submitting his resignation to the Governor’s office, Siddaramaiah said he came from a village background and had entered politics unexpectedly.
“I come from a village. I never imagined I would become a politician, Chief Minister or Leader of Opposition. I joined politics by chance because no one from my family was in this field,” he said.
VIDEO | Bengaluru, Karnataka: During a press conference, Siddaramaiah says, “Joining politics was an unexpected decision for me.”
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/YF9SxQeHSg
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 28, 2026
The veteran Congress leader said he had repeatedly maintained that he would step down whenever directed by the party leadership.
“I’ve said it multiple times that whenever the High Command intimates me, I will tender my resignation. Day before yesterday, the High Command asked me to resign and I told them I would submit it today. Hence, I’ve submitted it,” he said.
Siddaramaiah added that once the Governor returns, he expects the resignation to be accepted “according to the Constitution.”
“Once a Chief Minister tenders his resignation, he should accept it and make way for the next CM,” he said.
The resignation comes amid prolonged speculation over a leadership transition in Karnataka and growing discussion within the Congress over a possible elevation of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Sources said Siddaramaiah is expected to meet Rahul Gandhi later in the day, while a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting is likely on Saturday. The swearing-in ceremony for the next Chief Minister is expected to be finalised by the weekend, with Sunday emerging as the likely date.
According to sources, no final decision has yet been taken on how many ministers may take oath alongside the new Chief Minister, though Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend the ceremony.
In an emotional address, Siddaramaiah reflected on his political journey and thanked the Congress leadership for giving him opportunities to serve the state.
The outgoing CM also thanked Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with party workers, MPs and colleagues who supported him during his political career.
Referring to actor Rajkumar’s famous line that “fans are god,” Siddaramaiah said: “I am a politician. Constitution is my religion. Voters are my god.”
He said he had tried to govern by following the principles of Buddha, Basavanna, BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, and reiterated his commitment to social justice and equal opportunity.
Highlighting his government’s performance, Siddaramaiah claimed the Congress administration had fulfilled 158 promises between 2023 and 2026, including implementation of the party’s five flagship guarantee schemes within the first year.
“We have fulfilled the word we gave to the people of Karnataka,” he said.
Defending his economic record, Siddaramaiah rejected opposition allegations that his government had pushed Karnataka into debt.
“They made allegations that the CM, who is also Finance Minister, led the state into debt. It is false. I have said this in the Assembly too,” he said.
The Congress leader also pointed to Karnataka’s economic performance, claiming the state ranked second nationally in GST collection and was projected to grow at 8.1%, higher than the national GDP growth estimate of 7.4% for 2026-27.
His resignation marks a major political transition in Karnataka and sets the stage for the Congress high command to formally announce the state’s next Chief Minister.
