Siddaramaiah Declines Rajya Sabha Offer, Says He Will Remain Active in Karnataka Politics

Soon after tendering his resignation as caretaker Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah on Thursday declared that he would continue to remain active in Karnataka politics and was not interested in shifting to national politics through the Rajya Sabha.

Addressing reporters after submitting his resignation, Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had suggested that he move to the Rajya Sabha, but he politely declined the offer because he wanted to continue working in Karnataka politics.

"The Congress high command asked me to go to the Rajya Sabha. But with humility, I told them I am not interested in national politics and that I want to continue in State politics," Siddaramaiah said.

The veteran Congress leader's statement comes amid major political developments in Karnataka following his resignation and the expected leadership transition in the State.

Siddaramaiah Signals Continued Role in Karnataka

Though stepping down as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah made it clear that he has no plans to retire from active politics and intends to continue playing a role in Karnataka's political landscape.

Political observers believe the statement is significant because Siddaramaiah remains one of the Congress party's strongest mass leaders in Karnataka, especially among backward classes, minorities and Dalits through the AHINDA social coalition.

Even after resigning from the Chief Minister's post, Siddaramaiah still has around two years remaining in his term as an MLA.

His decision to stay in State politics is likely to ensure his continued influence within the Karnataka Congress during the upcoming leadership transition and future elections.

Emotional Farewell After Resignation

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah announced that he had submitted his resignation following instructions from the Congress high command, though the formal acceptance is pending as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is currently away from Bengaluru.

During an emotional press conference, Siddaramaiah reflected on his four-decade political journey, described himself as an "accidental politician" and thanked Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for giving him opportunities to serve as Karnataka Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition.

He also defended his government's welfare policies, guarantee schemes and social justice agenda while asserting that both his governments worked towards creating equal opportunities for all sections of society.

However, Siddaramaiah's announcement that he will remain active in State politics signals that he is likely to continue playing a major role in Karnataka Congress affairs even after stepping down from office.