Bengaluru, May 28: Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday said he politely declined the Congress high command’s suggestion to move to the Rajya Sabha and made it clear that he wishes to continue active politics in Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters after resigning as Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said he has no interest in national politics and intends to remain active in state politics.
“The high command suggested that I go to the Rajya Sabha, but I very politely told them it would not be possible. I have no interest in national politics. I will continue in Karnataka politics,” Siddaramaiah said.
He further stated that the people had elected him for a five-year term and that he still has nearly two years remaining to serve the people of Karnataka and his constituency.
“The people have elected me for five years and I still have two years left. Till then, I will continue to work for the people of Karnataka and my constituency,” he said.
Siddaramaiah also clarified that he would remain active in politics even after stepping down from the Chief Minister’s post.
“I have already said that I will continue in active politics. I will continue my fight against communal forces,” he stated.
When questioned about the reason behind his resignation, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he had always maintained he would resign whenever the Congress high command instructed him to do so.
“I had said from the beginning that whenever the high command asks me to resign, I will do so,” he said.
Rejecting suggestions of political pressure from the party leadership, Siddaramaiah said he resigned voluntarily immediately after the high command conveyed its decision.
“What pressure is there? I voluntarily resigned the moment they conveyed the decision,” he remarked.
Siddaramaiah, however, declined to comment on who would become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka amid ongoing political discussions within the Congress party.
