LIVE! Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka CM; says 'humbly' declined RS seat

Siddaramaiah on Thursday afternoon (May 28) resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister, paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to be elevated.

He submitted his resignation at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. However, he could not hand over the resignation letter to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is not in town due to his prior engagements, and has travelled to Mumbai.

Siddaramaiah handed over the resignation letter to Special Secretary to the Governor, R Prabhu Shankar.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah informed Cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down during a breakfast meeting at his residence.

Shivakumar and other Cabinet colleagues attended the breakfast meeting.

In a picture shared by the Chief Minister's Office, Siddaramaiah is seen hugging an emotional Shivakumar. In another picture, CM hopeful Shivakumar is seen touching the feet of Siddaramaiah and taking his blessings.

Minister breaks down

Labour Minister Santosh Lad turned emotional and broke down when the reporters questioned him about the developments in the meeting.

Excise Minister RB Timmapur said a few ministers turned emotional at the meeting when the CM announced his decision to step down.

Minister of Science and Technology N S Boseraju said the discussions also reflected on the government's performance over the last three years and preparations for the future.

"Everybody joined today. So everybody spoke well. Chief Minister and Deputy CM said how they have managed the government and the finances for the last three years. They urged us to maintain it in the same way for the remaining two years and said that everybody should work hard," he told reporters.

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