PTC Web Desk:  Soon after stepping down as Karnataka CM on Thursday, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah said he would continue to remain active in state politics and had no plans to shift to a role in Delhi.

Speaking to mediapersons after submitting his resignation, Siddaramaiah said the Congress leadership had offered him a Rajya Sabha seat, but he chose to decline it as he wanted to continue working in Karnataka.

“I want to stay in Karnataka politics. I have no interest in national politics,” he said, putting an end to speculation about a possible move to the Centre after his resignation.

Resigned after direction from party high command

Siddaramaiah said he had resigned after being asked to do so by the Congress high command. “I had already said that whenever the high command asks me to resign, I will do it. Two days ago, they asked me to step down and I agreed,” he said.

The outgoing CM said his resignation letter had been submitted to the Governor’s office as the Governor was away from Bengaluru and expected to return later in the day.

He also expressed confidence that the Governor would accept the resignation and begin the process of forming a new government as per constitutional rules.

Congress government has full majority

Amid discussions over political uncertainty in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said the Congress government remained stable and enjoyed a comfortable majority in the Assembly.

“Our party has 136 MLAs and we also have the support of two Independent legislators. There is no threat to the government,” he said.

He maintained that the leadership change would not impact the stability of the ruling party in the state.

Emotional message and gratitude to party leaders

During the interaction, Siddaramaiah became emotional while talking about his political journey. He thanked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for their support over the years. “I got an opportunity to serve seven crore people of Karnataka. I became chief minister twice and also served twice as Leader of Opposition,” he said.

Siddaramaiah added that he came from a non-political family and described himself as an “accidental politician”.

He said his politics was inspired by the ideals of Buddha, Basava and Dr BR Ambedkar and stressed the need for equal opportunities for all sections of society.