Siddaramaiah Says He Declined Rajya Sabha Offer From Party High Command

Karnataka’s ongoing political transition continued to evolve on Thursday as former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that he would not be entering the Rajya Sabha and instead intends to remain active in state politics as an elected MLA. His remarks came shortly after stepping down as Chief Minister, marking a significant reshuffle in the Congress party’s leadership arrangement in the state.

The development effectively ends speculation that Siddaramaiah could be moved to the Upper House as part of a political adjustment following the leadership change. Instead, his statement signals a clear intent to retain a direct role in Karnataka’s legislative politics rather than shift to a national parliamentary position.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting with senior members of his government earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the Congress high command had proposed D K Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister. He said he had accepted the decision, describing it as part of the party’s internal consensus on leadership transition. “The Congress high command proposed DKS as the next chief minister... I have agreed to this,” he said during the meeting.

The meeting, which included senior cabinet colleagues and party leaders, was seen as part of the formal process of managing the leadership handover within the state unit. Siddaramaiah reportedly used the occasion to reflect on his tenure and acknowledge the cooperation of ministers and party functionaries during his term as Chief Minister.

By the evening, attention shifted to growing speculation that Siddaramaiah might be accommodated in the Rajya Sabha as a part of the Congress party’s internal restructuring. However, he firmly rejected the possibility, stating that he had declined any such proposal. The clarification effectively ruled out his immediate move to Parliament and reinforced his decision to remain engaged in state-level politics.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah Announces Resignation During Breakfast Meeting With DK Shivakumar

His stance is politically significant given his long career in Karnataka politics, where he has served multiple terms in senior leadership roles and remains one of the Congress party’s most influential mass leaders in the state. At 80, Siddaramaiah’s decision to continue as an MLA rather than transition to the Upper House is also seen as an indication that he intends to maintain a direct connection with state-level governance and constituency politics.

The Congress party’s leadership transition in Karnataka has been closely watched, particularly as D K Shivakumar prepares to take over as Chief Minister. The change comes after months of internal discussions over power-sharing and leadership balance within the state unit. Party leaders are now focused on ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining organisational stability ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.

Siddaramaiah’s refusal to move to the Rajya Sabha adds another layer to the evolving political equation, suggesting that he will continue to play an active role in state affairs even after stepping down from the top executive post. His decision is likely to influence both internal party dynamics and the broader political narrative in Karnataka in the months ahead.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah Holds Breakfast Meet Amid Karnataka Leadership Change Speculation