Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, in Bengaluru.
Chief Minister expressed confidence that his resignation would be accepted by the governor soon after he returns to Lok Bhavan.He maintained that it was the responsibility of the governor to accept the resignation once it is submitted and make way for the next chief minister to assume office.He thanked former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and his colleagues in the party for giving him the opportunity to serve as chief minister of Karnataka.He cited his rural background and recollected his journey in politics, from a member of the panchayat, to minister, Deputy CM, Leader of Opposition, and chief minister (2013-18 and 2023-26).He said that his work was directed towards ensuring equality in society. He said that a society cannot be described as just unless everyone gets equal opportunities to grow in their lives and career.In the 2023 manifesto, the Congress party made over 300 promises and five guarantees. Over ₹1.64 lakh crore was spent on implementation of the guarantee schemes since the Congress was voted to power in the 2023 Assembly election.He cited this to emphasise that the Congress government in Karnataka has made every effort to fulfil its promises, despite claims in some sections of the media about the guarantee schemes depleting the State treasury. The State has thrived during his tenure as CM, and Karnataka is number 2 with respect to GST collection in India. The State’s growth rate is over 8%, he said.‘Finances managed prudently’He said that finances of a State should be managed within parameters laid down in Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2002For example, he said, a State’s fiscal deficit should be less than 3%, and for Karnataka the figure is 2.85%.Loans should be less than 25% of a State’s GSPD. The State’s loans add up to ₹30 lakh crore, which is 24.94% of our GSDP, he said.The third criteria is that a State should be revenue surplus. However, Karnataka is revenue deficit, for which he blamed the previous BJP government, claiming they mismanaged the State’s finances.In 2026-27, the deficit is ₹19,000 crore. That is because the funds due to the State from the 15th Finance Commission were not given to Karnataka. A special grant, which was due to Karnataka, was not given. In addition, ₹3,000 crore for lakes was not given to the State. In total, Karnataka is due about ₹15,000 crore on this account, he said.‘Did not pursue power’He claimed that he never pursued power, not did he make money for himself.In 1978, he became a taluk board member. He became a legislator in 1983. His political career stretching close to 50 years, he claimed, is an open book. He claimed to have never wavered from his principles. Published - May 28, 2026 03:20 pm IST
