Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to Special Secretary to the Governor Prabhu Shankar.
"I have tendered my resignation from the Chief Minister's post," Siddaramaiah said after submitting his resignation to the Governor's office.
Addressing the media later, Siddaramaiah said he was "making way for the next CM."
"Since Guv Thaawarchand Gehlot is not in city, I gave my resignation letter to his special secretary," Siddaramaiah clarified.
He also expressed his gratitude to Congress leaders.
"I got the opportunity to serve seven crore Kannadigas as CM twice, and as Leader of Opposition twice. I thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge."
He said that the high command directed him two days ago to step down.
"I had said time and again that I will resign whenever high command tells me," he added.
It is speculated that Shivkumar will take over the Karnataka chief minister post.