Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on Thursday, May 28, 2024 [1].

The resignation marks the end of a turbulent period for the state government, following months of speculation regarding a power struggle between the chief minister and the Congress party leadership.

Siddaramaiah reflected on his political trajectory during the announcement, saying that he entered politics by mistake. He noted that neither his parents nor other family members were active in politics [2]. He said he never imagined he would become a member of the legislative assembly, a minister, or a chief minister [2].

The departure follows an intense power tussle with the party high command over the chief ministerial post [3]. Earlier this month, Siddaramaiah said he would act according to what the high command decided [4].

Siddaramaiah served as the chief minister of Karnataka two times [5]. He expressed gratitude toward party leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for the opportunity to serve the people [2].

He said that he is quitting with a clean conscience [3]. The resignation takes place amidst a complex political environment in Bengaluru and Mysuru, where the party's internal hierarchy has sought to resolve the leadership dispute [3], [4].

“"I had never dreamt I would become an MLA, a minister, a chief minister ever."”

The resignation of Siddaramaiah signals a decisive victory for the Congress party's central leadership over regional autonomy in Karnataka. By resolving the power tussle through a resignation, the party high command asserts its authority to determine state leadership, potentially clearing the way for a new appointment to stabilize the administration.