CM Siddaramaiah to Resign: Senior Congress MLA Deshpande Reveals
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has announced his resignation after consulting with the Congress high command. Senior MLA R V Deshpande revealed the decision, indicating it stems from promises made during internal consultations.
Highlights
- •Siddaramaiah announces resignation to uphold Congress high command's decision
- •High-level discussions held between key ministers and legislators at CM's residence
- •Speculation mounts over CM's successor and alternative roles for Siddaramaiah
- •Meeting highlights the internal dynamics of Karnataka's Congress party leadership
Bengaluru, September 17, 2023 – Senior Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and the Chairperson of the Administrative Reforms Commission, R V Deshpande, revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has informed him of his decision to resign. The revelation came during a visit by Deshpande to the CM's residence, where several ministers and legislators also discussed the matter.
Siddaramaiah's Resignation Decision
The former minister stated that he had given his word to the high command of the Congress party and would respect it. He did not discuss the reasons for his resignation with Deshpande, who attempted to persuade him to continue serving as CM.
According to sources, an array of ministers including H C Mahadevappa, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Eshwar Khandre, Santosh Lad, and K J George, along with MLAs Nanjegowda, B Nagendra, Umesh Meti, A S Ponnanna, and Saleem Ahmed met with Siddaramaiah to seek his continuation. The discussions were met with a firm decision from the CM.
Deshpande told reporters that Siddaramaiah may resign on either Thursday or the following day. 'It was surprising for us, but he clarified that he had already decided,' Deshpande added.
The timing of his announcement has sparked intense speculation, suggesting a leadership change in Karnataka's Congress state. Reports indicate that party high command might be planning to offer Siddaramaiah a central role, possibly including a Rajya Sabha seat as an alternative to stepping down from his current position.
