'Leader who walked the talk': MB Patil hails Siddaramaiah on resignation

Karnataka Minister MB Patil hailed outgoing CM Siddaramaiah as a 'leader who walked the talk' after his resignation. Patil highlighted his record 17 budgets, welfare schemes, and his nearly eight-year tenure as a 'significant milestone'.

'Leader Who Walked The Talk'

Karnataka Minister MB Patil on Friday hailed outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, describing him as a "leader who walked the talk" after he submitted his resignation amid the ongoing leadership transition in the state Congress unit. In a post shared on X, Patil said Siddaramaiah's resignation was an emotional moment for the party, while highlighting his long political and administrative career, including his record of presenting 17 state budgets -- the highest in Karnataka's history.

"The leader who walked the talk, our proud Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, has submitted his resignation from his position, which weighs heavily on our hearts. Through the rare achievement of presenting 17 budgets, he has not only proven himself to be an economic expert but has also earned the distinction of presenting the highest number of budgets in the state's history," Patil wrote on X. ನುಡಿದಂತೆ ನಡೆದ ಜನನಾಯಕ, ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಸ್ಥಾನಕ್ಕೆ ರಾಜೀನಾಮೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿರುವುದು ಹೃದಯವನ್ನು ಭಾರವಾಗಿಸಿದೆ. 17 ಬಜೆಟ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ಮಂಡಿಸಿದ ಅಪರೂಪದ ಸಾಧನೆ ಮೂಲಕ ತಾವೊಬ್ಬ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ತಜ್ಞ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಸಾಬೀತುಪಡಿಸಿದಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲ, ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಇತಿಹಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಅತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಬಜೆಟ್ ಮಂಡಿಸಿದ ಕೀರ್ತಿಗೂ ಅವರು… pic.twitter.com/odibgZgp2V — M B Patil (@MBPatil) May 29, 2026

Key Contributions and Welfare Initiatives

Patil credited Siddaramaiah with key welfare initiatives such as farmer loan waivers, Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya and the Congress government's five guarantee schemes, stating that his nearly eight-year tenure as Chief Minister marked a "significant milestone" in the state's political history. "The list of his contributions to the state is long, including the implementation of farmer loan waivers, Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, and the five guarantees. His nearly 8 years of service as Chief Minister stand as a significant milestone in the state's political history," he wrote.

He also lauded Siddaramaiah's decision to declare 12th-century social reformer Basavanna as Karnataka's cultural leader and his support for the establishment of Vachana University, calling it a major contribution to preserving the Sharana tradition and promoting equality-based philosophy. "By declaring world guru Basavanna as the state's cultural leader, he has etched a permanent place in the hearts of all Basava devotees. By approving the establishment of Vachana University in the budget, he has laid a firm foundation for the historic task of passing down the principles of the Sharanas, Vachana literature, and the message of equality to future generations," Patil further wrote.

'A Constant Pillar of Support'

Recalling his own association with the outgoing Chief Minister, Patil said Siddaramaiah had consistently supported him during his ministerial responsibilities, including his tenure as Water Resources Minister and later in the Industries portfolio, particularly in attracting foreign direct investment through 'Invest Karnataka'.

"During his tenure as Minister for Water Resources in the state from 2013 to 2018, he placed complete trust in me, provided the necessary financial resources for the implementation of all irrigation projects in the state, and enabled me to successfully manage that portfolio. Even later, when he was the Home Minister in the coalition government, he continued to offer his invaluable guidance and stood as a constant pillar of support. From 2023 to the present, while serving as the state's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, it has been my good fortune that he granted me complete freedom and authority to bring in greater amounts of foreign direct investment to the state through 'Invest Karnataka.' His unwavering commitment to the Constitution, his struggle for social justice, and his steadfast adherence to the principles of Buddha, Basavanna, and Ambedkar serve as a guiding light for all of us," he added.

'A Leader for the Masses'

Patil further described Siddaramaiah as a leader who understood the struggles of farmers, workers and marginalised communities, and used power as an instrument of public service rather than privilege. "He is a leader who understood the language of tears from the poor, the backward, farmers, workers, and ordinary people. A rare dedicated politician who used power not for pomp, but as a tool for public service. His conduct of prioritising values over power stands as a living example of what principled politics in public life should be. He will forever reside in the hearts of the people of the land. It is our heartfelt wish that he continues in active politics, continuing to provide his guidance to the state, the nation, and the party," Patil wrote, concluding his post.

Leadership Transition Underway

Meanwhile, high-level discussions were held in New Delhi involving Congress leaders Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and senior party functionaries over the leadership transition in Karnataka following Siddaramaiah's resignation. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) is scheduled to meet in Bengaluru on Saturday to formalise the process of electing a new leader. Shivakumar is widely seen as the frontrunner for the post, with the party also deliberating cabinet expansion and organisational changes.

Senior Congress leaders, including Veerappa Moily, have termed the change a "smooth transition," while asserting that the party government would continue to remain stable. Meanwhile, internal consultations within the party are also underway regarding cabinet representation and organisational roles as the leadership transition process gathers pace.

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