Towering leader of politics: Shivakumar's heartfelt note for Siddaramaiah
As Siddaramaiah steps down as Karnataka chief minister, his successor DK Shivakumar pens an emotional tribute, praising the veteran leader's welfare legacy, resilience and decades-long contribution to the state.
Following Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Karnataka chief minister, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar paid tribute to the veteran leader, praising his journey from a small village in Mysuru to the state’s top political office.
In a heartfelt post, Shivakumar went on to express his gratitude for the leader Siddaramaiah has been for Karnataka. "God does not give boons or curses. He only gives opportunities. What truly matters is what we make of those opportunities," read his tweet.
Shivakumar also lauded Siddaramaiah’s resilience, leadership and commitment to social justice, highlighting his welfare-focused governance and contributions to Karnataka’s development.
"The impact of several public welfare schemes and the many developmental initiatives undertaken during his tenure will remain significant chapters in Karnataka’s growth story. Over nearly five decades in public life, he has shaped the political and social fabric of our state through people-centric governance and inclusive leadership," he added.
Shivakumar also mentioned that since 2020, when he became Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, Siddaramaiah has been a pillar of support. "I sincerely hope his guidance will continue to inspire and strengthen all of us in the years ahead as we work towards Karnataka’s progress and welfare," he said.
He ends the note with a call for unity between the two, mentioning, "As the saying goes, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.” I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka."
Addressing speculation over tensions within the party, Siddaramaiah on Thursday denied any rift and emphasised unity within the Congress. “I have always believed that we should function as one family. During my tenure, I ensured equality for everyone,” he said.
WHY SIDDARAMAIAH RESIGNED
The leadership tussle within the ruling Indian National Congress intensified after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025, reviving discussions about a possible change of guard.
Following the Congress's victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, who also heads the party’s Karnataka unit, were leading contenders for the chief minister’s post. The party eventually convinced Shivakumar to accept the role of deputy chief minister.
At the time, political circles were abuzz with reports of a power-sharing formula under which Shivakumar would take over as chief minister after two-and-a-half years. However, the Congress leadership never officially confirmed the existence of any such rotational arrangement.
Nearly three years after the Congress returned to power in Karnataka, the prolonged leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar appears to have reached a turning point.
Siddaramaiah, Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister, resigned on Thursday, bringing an end to days of uncertainty after the Congress high command asked him to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar. However, the veteran leader made it clear that his political innings are far from over, asserting that he would remain actively involved in Karnataka politics and turning down the Congress leadership’s reported offer of a Rajya Sabha seat.
Following Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Karnataka chief minister, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar paid tribute to the veteran leader, praising his journey from a small village in Mysuru to the state’s top political office.
In a heartfelt post, Shivakumar went on to express his gratitude for the leader Siddaramaiah has been for Karnataka. "God does not give boons or curses. He only gives opportunities. What truly matters is what we make of those opportunities," read his tweet.
Shivakumar also lauded Siddaramaiah’s resilience, leadership and commitment to social justice, highlighting his welfare-focused governance and contributions to Karnataka’s development.
"The impact of several public welfare schemes and the many developmental initiatives undertaken during his tenure will remain significant chapters in Karnataka’s growth story. Over nearly five decades in public life, he has shaped the political and social fabric of our state through people-centric governance and inclusive leadership," he added.
Shivakumar also mentioned that since 2020, when he became Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, Siddaramaiah has been a pillar of support. "I sincerely hope his guidance will continue to inspire and strengthen all of us in the years ahead as we work towards Karnataka’s progress and welfare," he said.
He ends the note with a call for unity between the two, mentioning, "As the saying goes, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.” I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka."
Addressing speculation over tensions within the party, Siddaramaiah on Thursday denied any rift and emphasised unity within the Congress. “I have always believed that we should function as one family. During my tenure, I ensured equality for everyone,” he said.
WHY SIDDARAMAIAH RESIGNED
The leadership tussle within the ruling Indian National Congress intensified after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025, reviving discussions about a possible change of guard.
Following the Congress's victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, who also heads the party’s Karnataka unit, were leading contenders for the chief minister’s post. The party eventually convinced Shivakumar to accept the role of deputy chief minister.
At the time, political circles were abuzz with reports of a power-sharing formula under which Shivakumar would take over as chief minister after two-and-a-half years. However, the Congress leadership never officially confirmed the existence of any such rotational arrangement.
Nearly three years after the Congress returned to power in Karnataka, the prolonged leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar appears to have reached a turning point.
Siddaramaiah, Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister, resigned on Thursday, bringing an end to days of uncertainty after the Congress high command asked him to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar. However, the veteran leader made it clear that his political innings are far from over, asserting that he would remain actively involved in Karnataka politics and turning down the Congress leadership’s reported offer of a Rajya Sabha seat.
