Setback to Congress in Karnataka: Siddaramaiah resigns as Oppn leader

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In a jolt to the Congress in Karnataka, party opposition leader in the assembly Siddaramaiah on Friday announced his resignation from the post saying the High Command apparently lacked confidence in his leadership.

"It looks that the High Command lacks faith in my leadership and since they have not taken me into confidence to nominate candidates to contest the Legislative Council election, I have tendered my resignation," he told reporters here.

Siddaramaiah, who is upset over his loyalist former Union Minister C.M. Ibrahim being denied nomination, said he has already shot off his resignation letter to party president Sonia Gandhi and state party chief G. Parameshwar.

Siddaramaiah on Thursday night submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah. The senior Congress leader's announcement comes a day after the High Command denied tickets to his supporters for the June 11 council elections from the assembly. Siddaramaiah had reportedly suggested Ibrahim as one of four candidates .

He said the High Command had assured Ibrahim's candidature but reneged on it and nominated candidates without consulting him.

Replying to a question, he said he was hurt by the disrespect shown to the post of Opposition Leader. "Whoever occupies an honourable post in a democratic set-up should uphold the dignity of the post."

"Once I have tendered my resignation, there is no question of going back," he said in reply to a query.

Asked if he would accompany Congress candidates for filing of nominations for the Council election, Siddaramaiah said he wouldn't go, but would go to cast his vote.

On whether he would participate in Rahul Gandhi's programme at Hubli tomorrow, Siddaramaiah said he would decide later.