Bengaluru, May 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has communicated his decision to resign to senior party colleagues, according to Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande, as intense speculation over a leadership change gripped the state on Wednesday.
Deshpande, who serves as Chairperson of the Administrative Reforms Commission, told reporters after a meeting with the Chief Minister at his official residence that Siddaramaiah remained firm on his word to the party high command. “He told me he has decided to resign,” Deshpande said, adding that when some legislators urged the Chief Minister to reconsider, Siddaramaiah replied that he had given his commitment and would respect it.
Sources indicated that a steady stream of ministers and legislators visited Siddaramaiah’s residence through the day for discussions on the political situation.
Supporters of Deputy CM celebrate
In a sharp contrast to the subdued atmosphere at the Chief Minister’s camp, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar burst into celebrations across several parts of Karnataka. Firecrackers were set off and sweets distributed outside Shivakumar’s residence in the upscale Sadashivanagar neighbourhood of Bengaluru, as well as in Ramanagara, the district headquarters of Bengaluru South.
The demonstrations reflected growing speculation in political circles that Siddaramaiah could step down as early as Thursday, potentially paving the way for his deputy to take over the top post. Neither the Chief Minister nor the Deputy Chief Minister has made an official statement on the matter so far.
All eyes are now on the Congress high command, which is expected to take a final call on the leadership issue in the coming days.
Source: PTI