Congress Leaders Rally Behind Siddaramaiah After Resignation, Praise His Leadership and Legacy

Bengaluru, May 2026 : Amid rapid political developments following the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, senior Congress leaders on Friday hailed his leadership, political commitment and contribution to governance, while emphasising the party’s tradition of placing organisational discipline above positions of power.

AICC General Secretary (Organisation) and Congress MP K. C. Venugopal said the Congress party has always prioritised ideology, people and the organisation over individual ambitions. In a message posted on social media platform X after Siddaramaiah’s resignation, Venugopal wrote: “Party above self, people above power — because for Congress, the party is our family and the people are the purpose.”

His statement came shortly after Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot formally accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him. Siddaramaiah has been asked to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.

Political observers viewed Venugopal’s remarks as a message aimed at projecting unity, discipline and collective leadership within the Congress amid the ongoing leadership transition in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former minister Priyank Kharge paid an emotional tribute to Siddaramaiah, describing him as a mass leader who earned public trust through welfare-oriented governance, ideological commitment and decades of political struggle.

In a detailed statement, Priyank Kharge said Siddaramaiah had carved a unique place in Karnataka politics by becoming one of the state’s longest-serving Chief Ministers and by implementing people-centric policies through the Congress government.

Kharge noted that Siddaramaiah had remained firmly committed to constitutional values, secularism and socialist principles throughout his political career. According to him, the veteran leader set high standards in public life and became an inspiration for younger generations of politicians.

“Leaders of our generation and future young politicians look up to him as an inspiration,” Kharge stated while reflecting on Siddaramaiah’s long political journey.

Recalling his own experience of working under Siddaramaiah, Kharge said the former Chief Minister played a major role in mentoring and guiding him politically. He added that Siddaramaiah gave him confidence at a young age when he was entrusted with key portfolios such as Information Technology, Biotechnology and Tourism.

Kharge said Siddaramaiah ensured that he never felt hesitant despite being among the youngest ministers in the cabinet. He further noted that the former Chief Minister encouraged independent thinking and allowed ministers the freedom to formulate programmes focused on public welfare.

“He not only encouraged me but also gave me the freedom to formulate people-centric programmes. Even during the present term, his guidance remained valuable while handling two major portfolios,” Kharge said.

The Congress leader also praised Siddaramaiah’s administration, saying the government under his leadership provided corruption-free governance and focused on development-oriented policies. He particularly highlighted the implementation of the government’s guarantee schemes, claiming they had economically empowered large sections of society.

“It is a matter of pride for me to have served as a minister in the cabinet of such a statesmanlike leader,” he remarked.

Describing Siddaramaiah’s departure from the Chief Minister’s post as an emotional moment for Congress workers and supporters, Kharge appealed to party cadres to continue strengthening the organisation under his guidance.

“Let us protect the state from communal forces by further strengthening the Congress party under his leadership and guidance,” he said.

Kharge also described Siddaramaiah’s political journey “from Siddaramanahundi to Vidhana Soudha” as a story of perseverance and inspiration that would motivate future generations in Karnataka politics.

Team Maverick.