“I have tendered my resignation from the Chief Minister’s post,” Siddaramaiah said after submitting his resignation to the Governor’s office.
Addressing the media later, Siddaramaiah said he was “making way for the next CM”.
"Since Guv Thaawarchand Gehlot is not in city, I gave my resignation letter to his special secretary," Siddaramaiah clarified.
He added that he is fully confident that the Governor will accept the resignation when he returns.
"We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed (to form govt)".
He also expressed his gratitude to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
He said that the high command directed him two days ago to step down.
"I had said time and again that I will resign whenever high command tells me," he added.
According to reports, Karnataka Governor Gehlot will return to Bengaluru at 7:30 pm today to accept the resignation of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot travelled to Mumbai from Bengaluru following reports of ill-health of a close relative.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah left his official residence in a private Range Rover for Lok Bhavan to submit his resignation to Governor’s Secretary Prabhu Shankar.
His convoy was accompanied by Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and several senior ministers.
Scenes of high drama unfolded outside the residence as supporters stopped Siddaramaiah’s vehicle, urging him not to resign.
The vehicle carrying Siddaramaiah was driven by minister Byrathi Suresh.
Siddaramaiah will arrive in New Delhi on Thursday evening to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Sources said that meetings in Delhi are likely to focus on the selection of new ministers and Rajya Sabha-related discussions.
Karnataka Law Minister H K Patil on Thursday said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed him and other ministers of his decision to step down and also disclosed that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will be his successor.
After taking part in the breakfast meeting with the chief minister, Patil said that Siddaramaiah will visit Lok Bhavan to tender his resignation and the proposed change in the leadership is in compliance with the directions of the Congress high command.
The minister told reporters, "The CM, quoting discussions with the high command, has said that he will resign. There is no point of dissent anywhere.
It is unanimous and everyone is agreeable to whatever the high command has said.
The Congress state unit on Thursday shared images of CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar embracing each other.
“That day, this day, forever.Unity is our strength! Public service is our eternal commitment!” the Karnataka Congress posted on X.
Sources said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s name for the top post during the meeting with party leaders, indicating that Shivakumar will be the next chief minister of Karnataka.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will visit the Lok Bhavan at 2:30 pm and will address the press today at 3:00 pm.
The move comes after Siddaramaiah during the Breakfast meting announced his decision to step down.
Karnataka is set for a leadership change after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped down from the post after informing the cabinet ministers of the decision.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to take over as the next chief minister.
The resignation process moved ahead as planned despite Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot being away from Bengaluru.
Gehlot is expected to return to the city at 7:30 pm today to formally accept Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
The Governor had travelled to Mumbai from Bengaluru following reports of a close relative’s ill health.