Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Wednesday, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D K Shivakumar to take over the top job.
Congress returned to power in Karnataka after defeating the BJP in the May 10, 2023 Assembly election. At the time, a leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar was resolved by the party high command with an understanding that both would serve as Chief Minister for two-and-a-half years each.
According to the report, Siddaramaiah was expected to step down in November 2025, but his reluctance led to months of friction within the government. The party leadership called both leaders to Delhi on May 25, and after prolonged discussions, Rahul Gandhi asked Siddaramaiah to resign, which he accepted.
In Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah hosted ministers and Shivakumar at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Krishna, and thanked colleagues for their cooperation. He said he would submit his resignation and urged the party to stay united and remain cautious of the BJP ahead of the 2028 election.
Siddaramaiah later went to Lok Bhavan and handed his resignation letter to the Governor’s secretary, as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away. He then flew to Delhi; after his return, a Congress legislature party meeting is expected to elect Shivakumar as leader, following which he will stake claim to form the government. Party sources said the swearing-in could take place on June 1.
