New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday ruled out any move to national politics shortly after stepping down as Chief Minister of Karnataka, making it clear that he intends to remain active in state politics rather than shift to the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking hours after handing over leadership to deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah revealed that the Congress high command had suggested he move to the Rajya Sabha, but he declined the proposal.
“The high command told me to go to Rajya Sabha, but I said no. I have no interest in national politics. I will continue in active politics,” the veteran leader said before leaving for Delhi.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah informed senior ministers and party leaders during a breakfast meeting that the Congress leadership had decided to appoint Shivakumar as the next chief minister and that he had agreed to the transition.
The leadership change comes after months of internal power struggles within the state Congress unit. Over the past year, Shivakumar’s supporters had repeatedly pushed for a change in leadership, while Siddaramaiah retained control of the government with the backing of the party’s central leadership.
Political observers believe the Congress delayed the transition due to upcoming electoral calculations in southern states, particularly neighbouring Tamil Nadu, where Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA support base comprising minorities, backward classes and Dalits was considered politically significant.
However, with the party reassessing its long term strategy ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly election and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, the leadership eventually moved forward with the transition. Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, reportedly held discussions with Siddaramaiah regarding his future political role and broader electoral planning.
The change in leadership is expected to trigger fresh negotiations within the Karnataka Congress over cabinet positions and power sharing arrangements. Supporters of Siddaramaiah are reportedly pressing for multiple deputy chief minister posts and key ministerial portfolios, while Shivakumar’s camp is said to be resisting those demands.
As Siddaramaiah heads to Delhi, discussions over the party’s future structure in Karnataka are expected to continue at the highest level.
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