In his first public remarks after Siddaramaiah stepped down as Karnataka Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar struck an emotional and conciliatory tone, praising his predecessor's journey from a humble village in Mysuru to the state's highest office. Calling Siddaramaiah's life a story of resilience, perseverance and commitment to social justice, DKS expressed gratitude for his leadership and mentorship. Significantly, he also signalled his vision for the future, stressing unity over factionalism with a message that many see as an appeal to bring together both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps ahead of the formation of the new Congress government.