Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 28 (ANI): As Karnataka gears up for a potential management change, senior Congress chief Siddaramaiah on Thursday mentioned he has submitted his resignation ‘voluntarily’ after a suggestion from the get together excessive command, whereas firmly asserting that he’ll proceed in state politics and never transfer to the Rajya Sabha.
Following directives from the get together excessive command, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation from the put up of Karnataka Chief Minister to the Governor’s workplace.
‘I’ve given my resignation after the suggestion by the excessive command… I’ll proceed in state politics and I’ll preserve preventing in opposition to the prison forces. I’ve instructed the identical factor to the excessive command that I do not need to go to Rajya Sabha and I’ll proceed in Karnataka politics until my final breath,’ Siddaramaiah mentioned whereas addressing a press convention.
He additional mentioned that the get together management had prompt his elevation to the Rajya Sabha, however he declined the provide. ‘The excessive command mentioned, ‘Come to Rajya Sabha and I instructed them very humbly that I’ll stay in state politics, not nationwide politics. People have elected me for 5 years. Till then, I’ll do lively politics,’ he added.
Stating that there was no strain behind his choice and ‘resigned voluntarily’, Siddaramaiah mentioned, ‘I’ve resigned voluntarily. There isn’t any strain on me. The Congress Legislature Party and the excessive command will take the choice for the following Chief Minister. The Governor will take motion via constitutional procedures. Soon, the individuals of the state will see a brand new Chief Minister.’
Siddaramaiah acquired emotional whereas he spoke about his tenure. He expressed deep appreciation for the alternatives supplied by senior get together management, particularly thanking Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for the possibility to function Chief Minister twice.
Furthermore, the senior Congress chief referred to actor Dr. Rajkumar and mentioned he considers voters as divine. ‘The nice actor Dr. Rajkumar used to name his followers ‘Abhimani Devaru’ (Gods who’re followers). I’m a politician who considers the Constitution itself as my faith. For me, the voters are ‘Matadara Devaru’ (Gods who’re voters),’ he mentioned.
He added that his decades-long political journey was rooted in public belief. ‘I’m one who bows to like and belief, not one who takes selections underneath strain or affect. I’ve submitted this resignation letter very fortunately and wholeheartedly,’ he mentioned.
Recalling his background, Siddaramaiah mentioned, ‘Coming from a farmer household, I by no means dreamt I’d grow to be an MLA, minister or Chief Minister. It is the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar that made this potential. I bow to the Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar.’
He additionally mentioned he stays indebted to the individuals of Karnataka. ‘In almost four-and-a-half many years of public life, the individuals made me an MLA, minister and Chief Minister twice. I’m indebted to the voter-gods,’ he mentioned.
Referring to allegations and political assaults, he mentioned he had confronted sustained opposition. ‘At each step I’ve been subjected to hatred, envy, deceit and conspiracy. Not solely me, however my household too has been focused. False allegations have been made even in opposition to my spouse, who stayed away from politics,’ he mentioned, including that regardless of this, he selected to proceed public service.
Siddaramaiah additionally listed the federal government’s achievements, claiming progress in social welfare and growth. ‘We are shifting up within the Human Development Index. Guarantee schemes have supplied social safety. Hunger-free Karnataka is being constructed. Malnutrition has lowered, and well being companies are enhancing,’ he mentioned.
He added that the federal government dealt with pure calamities successfully and pushed irrigation and agriculture reforms. ‘Farmers have developed confidence resulting from scientific value fixation and irrigation tasks. Our stand on land, water and language safety has gained the hearts of Kannadigas,’ he mentioned.
Claiming administrative milestones, he mentioned, ‘I’m happy I acquired the chance to current the best variety of budgets within the state’s historical past. In 17 budgets, I prioritised social justice and growth.’
On welfare schemes, he mentioned the federal government had largely fulfilled its guarantees. ‘In 2013, we made 163 guarantees and fulfilled 158. In 2023, we remodeled 550 guarantees and have fulfilled 300 to date. All 5 assure schemes have been carried out within the first 12 months,’ he mentioned.
He additionally criticised opposition claims concerning the state’s funds and alleged withholding of central funds. ‘It was mentioned there could be no cash for growth, and the treasury would collapse. Karnataka is quantity two in GST assortment, and our development fee is 8.1 per cent,’ he mentioned.
He additional added, ‘The fiscal deficit is inside 3 per cent as per norms. Debt is inside limits. Revenue deficit exists resulting from denial of funds by the Centre, together with GST compensation, Jal Jeevan Mission funds and different allocations. Otherwise, we’d have been in surplus.’
Siddaramaiah mentioned he has by no means been pushed by energy or wealth. ‘I’ve by no means chased cash or property. I’ve been in politics for almost 50 years. I can be 80 in 2028. This is a e-book of my political life. Only these with individuals’s help and values can survive in politics,’ he mentioned.
The resignation follows a high-level assembly on the CM’s official residence, ‘Kaveri,’ the place Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was seen paying respects to Siddaramaiah, a gesture interpreted as a symbolic passing of the torch.
While the resignation has been submitted to the Special Secretary to the Governor, Prabhu Shankar, it’s but to be accepted by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, who’s at the moment enroute to Bengaluru. (ANI)