Congress MLA RV Deshpande Says Siddaramaiah Has Decided to Resign; Leadership Transition Buzz Intensifies in Karnataka
Bengaluru, May 27: Senior Congress leader and MLA R.V. Deshpande on Wednesday indicated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has decided to resign, further intensifying speculation over a possible leadership transition in Karnataka.
Speaking to the media after reportedly meeting Siddaramaiah, Deshpande said the Chief Minister himself conveyed that he had decided to step down.
“He said he has decided to resign,” Deshpande told reporters while responding to questions about his interaction with the Chief Minister.
Deshpande, however, clarified that he did not ask Siddaramaiah the reasons behind the decision or whether it was linked to discussions with the Congress high command.
“I did not question him why he is resigning and other things,” he said.
The senior Congress leader stated that some leaders had requested Siddaramaiah to continue in office, but the Chief Minister appeared firm on his decision.
“We pursued him and said why don’t you continue, but he said he has decided,” Deshpande added.
When asked about the possible timing of the resignation, Deshpande said it could happen either on Thursday or the following day.
“I think he may do it tomorrow or day after,” he said.
Deshpande also maintained that the final decision regarding leadership transition rests with the Congress high command.
“The high command will have to decide. Whatever the high command decides, we have to agree,” he stated.
The remarks have added fresh momentum to political discussions in Karnataka, where speculation has been growing over Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar potentially emerging as the next Chief Minister.
Despite the intensifying political buzz, the Congress leadership has not made any official announcement regarding a leadership change or transition formula so far.
Political observers believe the coming days, particularly the proposed meetings of Congress legislators and senior leaders, could prove crucial in determining the future political direction of the Karnataka government.
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