India, May 29 -- Siddaramaiah rejects Rajya Sabha offer, says he prefers remaining in the State to fight communal forces

Ending months of speculation about a leadership change following an intense power tussle with his deputy, DK Shivakumar for the coveted post, Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday resigned as Chief Minister of Karnataka. Announcing his resignation at a packed press conference, the 77-year-old leader asserted that he was demitting office with a clean conscience and thanked his party brass for providing him an opportunity to serve the people for two terms.

Since Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was not in the State Capital, Siddaramaiah handed over his resignation letter to the Governor's special secretary.

"I...