![\"'A](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131383076,imgsize-60094,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/dkssidda.jpg\" "\\".\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar<\/a> issued his first public statement after caretaker Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah<\/a> resigned from office, praising the veteran Congress leader\u2019s contribution to the state and signalling continuity in the party\u2019s leadership and governance approach.Shivakumar, widely seen as Siddaramaiah\u2019s successor, described the outgoing chief minister\u2019s political journey as \u201cone of the finest reflections\u201d of resilience, perseverance and commitment to social justice.In a detailed message posted shortly after Siddaramaiah stepped down, Shivakumar thanked him for his \u201cyears of service and leadership to the people of Karnataka\u201d and highlighted the impact of the welfare schemes and developmental initiatives introduced during his tenure.\u201cGod does not give boons or curses. He only gives opportunities. What truly matters is what we make of those opportunities,\u201d Shivakumar said in the opening line of his statement.Referring to Siddaramaiah\u2019s rise from rural Karnataka to the state\u2019s top political office, he added, \u201cShri Siddaramaiah avaru\u2019s 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.\u201dThe statement came hours after Siddaramaiah announced his resignation amid months of speculation over a leadership transition in the Congress government. The move is expected to pave the way for Shivakumar to take over as the next chief minister following consultations between state leaders and the Congress high command.Shivakumar also stressed the political partnership he shared with Siddaramaiah, particularly since becoming Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president in 2020.\u201cEver 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,\u201d he said.Calling it a privilege to work alongside Siddaramaiah as deputy chief minister, Shivakumar said he hoped the senior leader\u2019s \u201cguidance will continue to inspire and strengthen all of us in the years ahead\u201d.He also indicated that the Congress leadership would seek to maintain unity during the transition period.\u201cAs the saying goes, \u2018If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.\u2019 I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka,\u201d Shivakumar said.<\/div>\n