Siddaramaiah Resigns As Karnataka CM, DK Shivakumar Set To Take Charge
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- May 28, 2026
- 39
In a major political development in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped down from his post on Thursday following directions from the Congress high command. His resignation has cleared the path for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to become the next Chief Minister of the state.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said that he had always maintained he would resign whenever the party leadership instructed him to do so. He stated that the high command conveyed its decision on Wednesday, after which he formally resigned on Thursday.
The veteran Congress leader also confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to the secretary of Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. The Governor is currently away from Bengaluru due to personal commitments.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stood beside Siddaramaiah during the press conference, indicating a coordinated and peaceful transfer of power within the ruling Congress government.
Before announcing his resignation publicly, Siddaramaiah held a crucial meeting with senior ministers at his residence and informed them about the leadership change. During the emotionally charged meeting, DK Shivakumar touched Siddaramaiah’s feet as a mark of respect. The two leaders later embraced each other, reflecting unity within the party.
Senior Karnataka minister HK Patil later revealed that the Congress leadership had reached a consensus on DK Shivakumar’s name for the Chief Minister’s position. He indicated that Shivakumar would soon take over the top post in the state.
According to constitutional procedure, even if the Governor is outside the state, the Chief Minister can submit a written resignation either physically or electronically to Raj Bhavan officials. Until the Governor formally accepts the resignation, the incumbent Chief Minister continues in office.
Three Major Possibilities After Karnataka Leadership Change
1. DK Shivakumar Likely To Be Elected CLP Leader
DK Shivakumar is expected to be elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party on Friday. Following this, the Congress party will formally stake claim to form the government under his leadership.
2. Siddaramaiah’s Son May Get Ministerial Role
Political circles indicate that Siddaramaiah’s son could be accommodated in the new cabinet. The move is being compared to the NDA government formation in Bihar, where the son of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was inducted as a minister.
3. Massive Cabinet Reshuffle Expected
A major cabinet overhaul is also likely in Karnataka. Sources suggest that 15 to 20 new ministers may be inducted, while nearly 25 ministers from the current 35-member cabinet could be dropped.
The Congress leadership is also considering appointing two Deputy Chief Ministers. One position may go to a Dalit leader, while the other could be offered to a Lingayat or OBC representative to balance caste equations ahead of future elections.
Why Congress Changed The Karnataka Chief Minister
Power-Sharing Formula Reaches Final Stage
After Congress won the Karnataka Assembly elections in May 2023, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar were reportedly locked in a power struggle over the Chief Minister’s post. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi allegedly intervened and supported a rotational Chief Minister arrangement. With the government completing nearly three years, pressure mounted for implementing the second phase of the formula.
Corruption Allegations Against Government
The Siddaramaiah-led government has faced increasing criticism over controversies including the alleged Valmiki Development Corporation scam, which intensified pressure on the party leadership.
Strategy To Counter Anti-Incumbency
Congress high command reportedly believes that replacing the leadership before the next election cycle could reduce anti-incumbency sentiments against ministers and help the party project a renewed image in Karnataka politics.
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