Bengaluru, May 28 -- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday stepped down from his post, submitting his resignation to the Governor's Special Secretary at Lok Bhavan, saying the decision was taken "voluntarily" on the suggestion of the Congress high command, amid indications of a leadership change in the state.

Addressing a press conference, Siddaramaiah said he had resigned after directions from the party leadership and insisted there was no pressure behind the move. "I have resigned voluntarily. There is no pressure on me," he said, adding that the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) will decide the next Chief Minister.

He further clarified that he had declined an offer from the party...