Bengaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to resign from his post today, following a request from the Congress high command. He is expected to submit his resignation letter to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at 10:30 am.
The Congress returned to power in Karnataka after the 2023 Assembly elections, winning 135 seats under the leadership of state Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar. However, a contest emerged between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the chief minister’s post, with Siddaramaiah eventually taking charge and Shivakumar becoming Deputy Chief Minister.
Reports had suggested an understanding within the party that the two leaders would share the chief minister’s tenure for two-and-a-half years each. With Siddaramaiah completing about three years in office, speculation had continued over whether he would step down as per the arrangement.
The development follows a seven-hour discussion in Delhi between Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and senior party leaders. After consultations, including talks with Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah reportedly agreed to hand over the post.
Before meeting the Governor, Siddaramaiah is scheduled to host a breakfast for ministers at his residence, which Shivakumar is also expected to attend. After the gathering, Siddaramaiah will proceed to Raj Bhavan with ministers to formally submit his resignation.
