Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said he had submitted his resignation following instructions from the Congress high command, but the process could not be formally completed as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was not in Bengaluru and is expected to return later tonight.
Addressing media, Siddaramaiah said,”I’ve resigned from the post of Karnataka CM. Governor is not in town so I’ve handed over my resignation letter to his secretary.”
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah resigned Thursday following Congress directives, but formal acceptance by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot awaits his return, as only the Governor holds constitutional authority, with D.K. Shivakumar positioned as a successor.
The resignation was not formally accepted by Raj Bhavan after Special Secretary to the Governor R. Prabhu Shankar clarified that only the Governor has the constitutional authority to approve the resignation of a Chief Minister.
The development comes amid intense political activity in Karnataka, with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Siddaramaiah.
Governor’s Office Clarifies Constitutional Procedure
According to sources, Siddaramaiah’s resignation communication reached Raj Bhavan while Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away from Bengaluru on a personal visit.
However, officials clarified that neither the Special Secretary nor any other Raj Bhavan official has the constitutional authority to formally accept the resignation on behalf of the Governor.
Constitutional experts explained that while officials at Raj Bhavan can receive, process or forward official communications, the acceptance of a Chief Minister’s resignation can only be done personally by the Governor.
Sources said R. Prabhu Shankar informed concerned authorities that the resignation would remain pending until the Governor reviews and approves it.
Officials also clarified that the Governor’s office can still receive and communicate the resignation even if the Governor is outside the State, but the final approval must come from the Governor himself.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah hosted an emotional breakfast meeting for cabinet colleagues at his official residence ‘Kaveri’, where several ministers reportedly became emotional amid growing speculation over his exit.
Congress insiders indicated that the leadership transition is being closely managed by the party high command, with Shivakumar emerging as the strongest contender for the Chief Minister’s post.
Reports said Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot travelled out of Bengaluru due to personal reasons related to his family.
Even though the Governor is away from Raj Bhavan, officials clarified that constitutional powers attached to the office remain valid irrespective of location. However, the formal acceptance of Siddaramaiah’s resignation still requires the Governor’s approval.
Until the resignation is officially accepted, Siddaramaiah technically continues to remain the Chief Minister of Karnataka, sources said.
