Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigns as the Congress leadership moves to change state leadership. Multiple outlets report that Siddaramaiah informs senior Congress figures and his Cabinet colleagues that the Congress high command asked him to step down. Senior MLA R V Deshpande, who meets Siddaramaiah, says the CM told him he had decided to resign and had given his word to the high command, while several MLAs urged him to continue and suggested that the issue be discussed in the legislature party meeting.
In the run-up to the decision, Siddaramaiah holds discussions with ministers and legislators and hosts a breakfast for his Cabinet colleagues at his official residence. Sources also report that Siddaramaiah seeks the Governor’s appointment, though the Governor is said to be away in Indore when the resignation is submitted.
On Friday, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepts Siddaramaiah’s resignation and dissolves the Council of Ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah remains as CM until alternative arrangements are made. Deputy CM D K Shivakumar is widely seen as the next leader, with the Congress legislature party expected to formally choose the new CM following scheduling of the meeting by the party.
