'If you want to walk far, walk together': DK Shivakumar calls Siddaramaiah 'pillar of strength' in emotional note

NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar issued his first public statement a day after Siddaramaiah resigned from the position of Karnataka chief minister. He praised the veteran Congress leader’s contribution to the state and signalling continuity in the party’s leadership and governance approach.Shivakumar, who is most likely to succeed Siddaramaiah, described the outgoing chief minister’s political journey as “one of the finest reflections” of resilience, perseverance and commitment to social justice. Also read: Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepts Siddaramaiah's resignation as CM, cabinet dissolvedIn a detailed message sent hours after Siddaramaiah's resignation was accepted by the governor, Shivakumar thanked him for his “years of service and leadership to the people of Karnataka” and highlighted the impact of the welfare schemes and developmental initiatives introduced during his tenure.“God does not give boons or curses. He only gives opportunities. What truly matters is what we make of those opportunities,” Shivakumar said in the opening line of his statement. Referring to Siddaramaiah’s rise from rural Karnataka to the state’s top political office, he added, “Shri Siddaramaiah avaru’s life is one of the finest reflections of this thought. From a humble village in Mysuru to leading Karnataka as Chief Minister, his journey stands as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.”Shivakumar also stressed the political partnership he shared with Siddaramaiah, particularly since becoming Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president in 2020.Also read: Karnataka 'nataka' enters a new phase? Siddaramaiah meets top brass; cabinet berths on radar“Ever since I was entrusted with the responsibility of serving as KPCC President in 2020, Siddaramaiah avaru has stood firmly beside me like a pillar of strength. Together, we have worked shoulder to shoulder in strengthening the party and taking its vision to the people,” he said.Calling it a privilege to work alongside Siddaramaiah as deputy chief minister, Shivakumar said he hoped the senior leader’s “guidance will continue to inspire and strengthen all of us in the years ahead”.He also indicated that the Congress leadership would seek to maintain unity during the transition period.“As the saying goes, ‘If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.’ I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka,” Shivakumar said.Earlier today, Siddaramaiah met Congress top brass in Delhi including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge."Today in Delhi, I met with Congress senior leader Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and held discussions. MLAs KJ George, Priyanka Kharge, Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah were with me at this time," Siddaramaiah wrote on X following the meeting. The meeting was scheduled to reportedly have deliberation on the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, Siddaramaiah's new role in the party, along with the new composition of the state cabinet, which will be headed by Shivakumar.