Siddaramaiah Vows Lifelong Political Fight for Constitution After Stepping Down as Karnataka CM

Bengaluru, May 28 : Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday declared that he would remain in active politics for the rest of his life and continue his ideological battle to protect the Constitution, even as he formally stepped down from the state’s top post, bringing an end to weeks of intense political speculation in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah made the remarks at a press conference in Bengaluru after submitting his resignation to the Secretary to the Governor at Lok Bhavan. His resignation, submitted in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders, marked the conclusion of his tenure as Chief Minister and signalled a major leadership transition within the state Congress unit.

Visibly emotional yet firm in tone, Siddaramaiah said his departure from office would not mark a retreat from public life or political engagement.

“I will remain in politics till my last breath. I will continue to fight against communal forces because they are against the Constitution. Had the Constitution not existed, I would not have received an education or become a minister and Chief Minister. I would have remained a shepherd,” he said.

He added that his political mission would continue to be rooted in constitutional values and social justice.

“Till my last breath, I will continue my fight against forces that threaten the Constitution and against communal forces. I will continue my struggle for equality and social justice,” he said.

Resignation Process and High Command Direction

Explaining the circumstances surrounding his resignation, Siddaramaiah said the Governor was not present in Bengaluru at the time he submitted his papers.

“I have submitted my resignation from the Chief Minister’s post to the Governor’s Secretary. The Governor was not in Bengaluru and officials informed me that he would return tonight. In this background, I submitted my resignation letter to the Governor’s Secretary,” he said.

He stressed that his decision was in line with directions from the Congress high command.

“I have always maintained, both inside and outside the Assembly, that whenever the high command directs me, I will tender my resignation. Two days ago, the high command asked me to step down and, keeping my word, I have submitted my resignation,” he said.

Siddaramaiah also expressed confidence in the constitutional process and the role of the Governor in accepting the resignation.

“I have full confidence that the Governor will accept my resignation once he returns tonight because, according to the Constitution, it is his responsibility to do so,” he said.

He further stated that the Congress party continued to enjoy a clear majority in the state assembly.

“Our party enjoys the support of 138 MLAs and others have also extended support to the government. We continue to have a full majority. The Governor must now provide an opportunity to the next Chief Minister to form the government,” he added.

Emotional Reflections and Political Journey

During the press conference, Siddaramaiah also reflected on his long and eventful political career, expressing gratitude to party leaders, workers and voters who supported him through decades of public life.

“Kannada film legend Dr. Rajkumar used to address his fans as gods. I am a politician and I believe the Constitution is my religion. Voters are our gods. I had the opportunity to serve seven crore people of Karnataka. I became Chief Minister twice and also served as Leader of the Opposition twice,” he said.

He thanked senior Congress leadership for their support, stating, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.”

Recalling his entry into the Congress party, Siddaramaiah said he joined the party in 2006 after years of association with other political formations.

“When I was expelled from the JD(S) and was leading the AHINDA movement, senior Congress leader Ahmad Patel helped arrange my meeting with Sonia Gandhi, after which I decided to join the Congress party. At that time, Mallikarjun Kharge was the Karnataka Congress President. Along with me, eight MLAs joined the Congress party. I am grateful to all of them,” he said.

Ideology and Governance Legacy

Siddaramaiah reiterated his long-standing ideological commitments, stating that his political decisions were always guided by the principles of equality and social welfare.

“I have never compromised on the values and ideologies that I believe in. I strongly believe that every individual, especially the last person in society, should have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, education and healthcare,” he said.

He highlighted welfare measures implemented during his tenure, claiming that assistance was extended across communities and religions.

“With that belief, food and financial assistance were provided to poor people from all communities and religions,” he said.

He also said he had taken firm positions on issues related to Karnataka’s resources.

“I have faced every challenge honestly. I have never compromised on our state’s water, land and language. During my eight years as Chief Minister and also during my tenure as Leader of the Opposition, I always stood by these principles,” he said.

End of a Long Political Chapter

Siddaramaiah’s resignation, witnessed by senior cabinet colleagues and top Congress leaders, formally ends a significant chapter in Karnataka politics. As one of the Congress party’s most influential mass leaders in the state, his exit from the Chief Minister’s office concludes a tenure that saw both major welfare initiatives and intense political debates.

His resignation also brings clarity to a prolonged phase of speculation over leadership change within the Karnataka Congress, setting the stage for a new political configuration in the state even as Siddaramaiah pledges to remain an active voice in public life.