Congress top brass praises outgoing CM Siddaramaiah for 'secular values, 'dignified transition' after resignation

New Delhi: A day after Siddaramaiah stepped down as Chief Minister of Karnataka, the Congress high command on Friday praised the veteran Kuruba leader for ensuring a smooth transition of power and described him as an “uncompromising upholder of secular values.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary (in-charge of Communication) Jairam Ramesh took to X to pay rich tributes to Siddaramaiah.

“Shri @siddaramaiah’s public life has consistently reflected dignity, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice,” Kharge posted.

“From humble beginnings to serving Karnataka twice as Chief Minister, he remained steadfast in his commitment to equality, harmony, and the welfare of the marginalised,” Kharge said. 

He further stated that both Karnataka and the Congress party remain grateful for Siddaramaiah’s contributions and wished him good health and success in his continued service to the people.

Separately, Jairam Ramesh praised the dignity shown by Siddaramaiah during the leadership change. 

“The dignity with which he has been participating in the transition of power in the state has enhanced his stature immeasurably,” Ramesh said. 

“Siddaramaiah will be fondly remembered as he begins a new innings in his public life,” he added.

Jairam further said "dominant figure in Karnataka politics for over four decades, Siddaramaiah has presented 17 budgets in the state — just one less than the record set by Vajubhai Vala in Gujarat and one more than Dr Asim Dasgupta in West Bengal. Each of these budgets was considered noteworthy and impactful."

Beyond budget-making and administrative mastery, Siddaramaiah has been widely recognised as a "fierce champion of social justice and empowerment, an uncompromising defender of secular values, and a strong advocate of rationality and scientific temper," Jairam posted on X. 

"He has been a true mass leader in the full and best sense of the term. Eloquent in speech, his stinging wit directed at his political opponents was always effective. His manifold contributions to the development of Karnataka will endure,” Jairam Ramesh added in his post on X.

The Congress leadership believes Siddaramaiah’s decision to resign in accordance with the wishes of Rahul Gandhi, followed by his meeting with the party chief along with his son Yatindra Siddaramaiah, has paved the way for a smooth transition in Karnataka.

Party insiders were initially concerned about possible high drama, as several Siddaramaiah loyalists had sought his approval for a signature campaign to demonstrate strength. 

The Congress party is now relieved after Siddaramaiah firmly reiterated his commitment to secularism and the protection of constitutional values following his resignation as Chief Minister.

The veteran leader’s clear stance has effectively put to rest speculation that the BJP might attempt to capitalise on his removal to woo Kuruba voters amid initial concerns within the party about potential political realignment, especially given Siddaramaiah’s strong influence in the Kuruba community.