Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Putting an end to months of speculation, political maneuvering, and a prolonged internal leadership crisis within the Congress party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has finally tendered his resignation. On Thursday, this veteran Congress leader—who holds the distinction of being Karnataka's longest-serving Chief Minister—officially submitted his letter of resignation. Earlier that morning, during a crucial meeting with cabinet members held at his official residence, Siddaramaiah announced his decision to step down; at that very meeting, he made it clear that D.K. Shivakumar would assume charge as his successor. For the past three years, the ongoing power struggle over leadership between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar had repeatedly become a focal point of discussion within the state's political circles. This internal discord within the Congress party caused discomfort to the government on multiple occasions, even raising doubts regarding the very stability and survival of the administration. Political observers surmise that, ultimately, the situation was resolved through the direct intervention of the party's central leadership. Following his resignation, an emotional atmosphere prevailed outside the Chief Minister's official residence in Bengaluru. Many supporters were unable to hold back their tears; while some bowed down to touch his feet in reverence, others chanted slogans of "Siddaramaiah Zindabad!" In a brief address to his supporters, Siddaramaiah stated, "The interests of the party come first. I have taken this decision to uphold the unity of the organization." Meanwhile, D.K. Shivakumar's elevation to the post of Chief Minister is now virtually a matter of time. According to Congress sources, he is expected to take the oath of office very shortly. Political analysts in Karnataka believe that this change in leadership could revitalize the Congress party's organizational structure within the state and further consolidate the party's position ahead of the upcoming elections.
