Veteran Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday officially resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister, bringing an end to months of intense speculation over a leadership transition in the state. The resignation letter was submitted to the Governor’s office in Bengaluru, clearing the way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to likely take over as the next Chief Minister.
According to reports, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor’s secretary at Lok Bhavan because Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away from Bengaluru at the time. Senior Congress leaders and ministers accompanied him during the submission process.
The resignation follows high-level meetings between Karnataka Congress leaders and the party high command in New Delhi over the past few days. Congress leadership reportedly finalised a transition formula to resolve the long-running power-sharing dispute between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah hosted a breakfast meeting with ministers and senior Congress leaders at his official residence in Bengaluru. During the meeting, he reportedly informed colleagues about his decision to step down. DK Shivakumar was also present and was seen sharing a warm interaction with the outgoing Chief Minister, signalling a smooth transfer of power.
Sources said the Congress high command pushed for the leadership change to avoid prolonged factional tensions within the Karnataka unit ahead of upcoming political challenges. Reports also suggested Siddaramaiah may later move to national politics or the Rajya Sabha as part of the transition arrangement.
Siddaramaiah’s resignation marks the end of one of the most influential leadership phases in Karnataka politics. He served as Chief Minister twice — first from 2013 to 2018 and again from May 2023 until his resignation today. He remains one of Karnataka’s longest-serving and most prominent backward-class leaders.
During his tenure, Siddaramaiah was credited with implementing several welfare-oriented schemes and the Congress government’s flagship “guarantee” programmes. However, his administration also faced controversies related to corruption allegations, internal party rivalry, and political pressure from opposition parties.
DK Shivakumar is now widely expected to stake claim to form the next government. Supporters of Shivakumar have already begun celebrations across parts of Karnataka, while Congress leaders are trying to ensure that the transition remains smooth and does not trigger internal unrest.
The leadership change is expected to significantly reshape Karnataka politics and strengthen Shivakumar’s position within the Congress ahead of future state and national elections.
