Mysuru: Congress leaders and party workers in Mysuru district have paid tribute to the contributions of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to his home district, while expressing disappointment over his decision to step down from the top post. Despite their disappointment, party leaders said they would respect the decision taken in accordance with the directives of the Congress high command and continue to work under his guidance.

Several Congress leaders from the district described Siddaramaiah’s tenure as transformative for Mysuru and highlighted the development projects implemented under his leadership over the years.

Leaders highlight development works in Mysuru

KPCC spokesperson M Lakshmana said Siddaramaiah’s contribution to Mysuru district has been significant, both during his recent tenure and his earlier stint as Chief Minister.

According to Lakshmana, development projects worth around ₹6,500 crore have been sanctioned for Mysuru city and rural areas since 2023. These include nearly 46 major projects such as infrastructure development at Kidwai Hospital, Maharani’s College and hostel facilities, a new KSRTC bus stand, a NIMHANS-model hospital and the proposed film city project.

He further stated that the 2026-27 State Budget alone earmarked approximately ₹1,200 crore for at least 18 major projects in the district.

Lakshmana also recalled that during Siddaramaiah’s previous term as Chief Minister between 2013 and 2018, development works worth around ₹3,800 crore were undertaken in Mysuru. These included the district hospital, Jayadeva Hospital facilities, a super-speciality and trauma care hospital, the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the Police Commissioner’s office and educational infrastructure projects.

Describing Siddaramaiah as the backbone of the Congress party, Lakshmana said party workers would continue to seek his guidance.

OBC leaders express concern

Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jaagrutha Vedike president K S Shivaram termed the resignation a significant setback for the AHINDA and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities.

He said Siddaramaiah had emerged as a prominent leader representing backward classes and social justice. According to Shivaram, Karnataka was the only Congress-ruled state led by a Chief Minister from the OBC community, making his leadership symbolically important for backward class groups.

Shivaram argued that a large section of OBC voters had supported the Congress in the Assembly elections under the leadership of Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

He also praised Siddaramaiah for promoting social justice measures, including internal reservation initiatives among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, educational support through hostels and scholarships for backward communities and acceptance of the socio-economic survey report.

According to him, continued support from OBC communities to the Congress would depend on the policies and approach adopted by the new leadership.

Party workers disappointed but supportive

Mysuru District Congress Committee (Rural) president B J Vijay Kumar acknowledged that party workers across the district were disappointed by the development.

However, he stated that Siddaramaiah had remained committed to respecting the decision of the Congress high command and had prepared himself for the transition.

Vijay Kumar said the former Chief Minister had instructed his supporters and party workers to cooperate with the new leadership and continue strengthening the party organisation.

Expectations from new leadership

Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait said there was no confusion within the Congress party despite the leadership change. He maintained that the government had fulfilled its promises and would continue implementing pro-people programmes under the new Chief Minister.

Sait also expressed hope that adequate representation would be given to minority communities in the new cabinet. He noted that the composition of the cabinet would be closely watched by party workers and various communities across the state.

He indicated that the leadership transition would likely be accompanied by the formation of an entirely new cabinet rather than a simple reshuffle.

Focus shifts to future of Congress government

While emotions remain strong among Congress workers in Mysuru, party leaders have largely reiterated their commitment to respecting the high command’s decision and supporting the incoming leadership.

The resignation of Siddaramaiah marks the end of a significant chapter in Karnataka politics, particularly for Mysuru district, where many leaders credit him with driving major development initiatives and championing social justice policies.

As the state prepares for a new political phase, Congress leaders in Mysuru have signalled their intention to remain united while continuing to draw inspiration from Siddaramaiah’s political legacy.