Siddaramaiah tells DKS to lead 'second freedom struggle' against divisive forces

UPDATED: May 30, 2026 23:44 IST

Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday told his successor DK Shivakumar that those who killed Gandhiji were now trying to "glorify Godse" and it was time for a second freedom struggle to protect the unity and integrity of the country and safeguard the honor of Constitution.

Congratulating Shivakumar on him being elected CLP leader and wishing him success, Siddaramaiah said that the harmonious India built by the senior leaders of the Congress party through sacrifices and struggles is being torn apart in the name of caste and religion.

In a post on 'X', he said: "The Constitution itself is being questioned. Those who question the government are being suppressed. Those who killed Gandhi are now setting out to glorify Godse."

Hence, the only correct path to save the country is to resolve to strengthen the Congress party, which has embraced the values of equality, harmony, social justice, and secularism enshrined in the Constitution as its own ideology, right from the grassroots level ideologically.

"We are in a phase where we must wage a second freedom struggle to protect the unity and integrity of the country and safeguard the honor of the Constitution. In this struggle, not just the legislature party but the seven crore people of the state will stand with you," the Chief Minister said.

Hailing Shivakumar's organisational skills, the Chief Minister asked him to carry forward his legacy of development.

Addressing the Chief Minister-elect as comrade, Siddaramaiah said: "I have closely observed your indomitable dynamism, organisational acumen, and unwavering loyalty to the Congress party. I wholeheartedly wish that all of this is put to good use for the people of the state."

Karnataka not only holds the top position in the country in terms of revenue but has also become a model for the nation in the equitable distribution of wealth, power, and opportunities, Siddaramaiah noted.

Taking pride that other states emulated Karnataka government's schemes, he said for eight years he served as the CM and utilised that opportunity to develop the state into a prosperous, self-reliant, and self-respecting state.

"The responsibility of carrying this development forward now rests on your shoulders. I have firm belief that you possess the steadfastness, capability, and foresight required for that," he added.

In a situation where the entire country is gripped by fear due to economic insecurity, the people of the state too are anxious about the future, he observed.

Noting that the Congress party recently faced political setbacks at the national level, he said one may win or lose elections but people must never lose ideologically.

"I am one who believes that if a political party loses ideologically, it cannot win elections and will eventually perish. Along with the development of the state, we all bear the responsibility of restoring the past glory of the Congress party, which is like our mother," Siddaramaiah underlined.

Siddaramaiah stepped down after months of power struggle with the Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on May 28. The Congress Legislature party elected Shivakumar as its next leader, who will take oath as the Chief Minister on June 3.

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