Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rejected the Rajya Sabha seat on Thursday, saying that he is 'not interested in national politics'. He announced his resignation from the post after tendering the letter to Governor's Special Secretary Prabhushankar at Lok Bhavan.He thanked the Congress leadership, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, for allowing him to serve the people of Karnataka as its CM twice.Also read: Siddaramaiah resigns! DK Shivakumar to claim Karnataka CM chairSiddaramaiah also said that he had made it clear time and again that he would resign whenever the high command instructed him to do so."The high command directed me two days ago to step down, and accordingly I submitted my resignation today. I got the opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka twice, for which I thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi & Mallikarjun Kharge," he said.Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah, sitting beside Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed confidence that his resignation would be accepted by the governor soon after he returns to Lok Bhavan. Karnataka Governor Thavarchand Gehlot is out of the state and is set to return tonight.He asserted 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.During the press conference, the outgoing Chief Minister declared, "I am a politician and I have understood that the constitution is our religion. Voters are fans, God. I had the opportunity to speak to 7 crore people of Kannada Nadu. I had the opportunity to become the Chief Minister twice. I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity."He stressed that despite his resignation, the Congress party maintains an "absolute majority" with 135+1 seats and the support of two independents. "Our party has won 135+1 seats. In addition, two independents have also supported our government. We are in the absolute majority."
'No interest in national politics': Siddaramaiah rejects Rajya Sabha seat
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has resigned from his post. He rejected a Rajya Sabha seat, stating no interest in national politics. The Chief Minister submitted his resignation letter to the Governor's Special Secretary. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was present during the announcement. The Governor is expected to accept the resignation upon his return.
324 words~1 min read
