Soon after stepping down as Karnataka chief minister,Siddaramaiahon Thursday made it clear that he has no plans to shift to Delhi politics, saying he rejected an offer to move to the Rajya Sabha and would continue to remain active in Karnataka politics. Addressing reporters after submitting his resignation, the veteran Congress leader said he was only interested in state politics. “I have no interest in national politics. I am interested only in state politics,” Siddaramaiah said.

Revealing that the Congress high command had sounded him out for a Rajya Sabha role, Siddaramaiah said he declined the proposal outright. “High command asked me to go to Rajya Sabha. I said I won’t go,” he said, shutting down speculation about a possible rehabilitation in national politics following his exit as chief minister.

The outgoing CM said that his political career was far from over despite stepping down from the top post. “I will continue in active politics. I will fight against communal forces,” he asserted.

Siddaramaiah also confirmed that his resignation came after directions from the Congress leadership. “I have told you many times, whenever the high command asks me to resign, I will resign,” he said.

“Two days ago, the high command asked me to step down. I told them I would resign today. Accordingly, I have resigned,” he added.

The Congress veteran said his resignation letter had been submitted to the Governor’s office as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away from Bengaluru.

“Governor is not here. He is expected to return tonight. The resignation letter has been given to his office and secretary,” Siddaramaiah said.

Projecting confidence over a smooth transition of power, he said the Governor was constitutionally bound to accept his resignation and facilitate the formation of a new government.

“Once a chief minister resigns, the Governor has to accept it and make way for the new CM. It is his responsibility,” he said.

Rejecting speculation of instability within the Congress government, Siddaramaiah asserted that the ruling party continued to enjoy a comfortable majority in the Assembly. “Our party has 136 MLAs and two independents are supporting us. We have a full majority,” he said.

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