Bengaluru: Karnataka is set for a major political transition after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday about his decision to resign, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to become the next Chief Minister of the state.
The announcement was made during a breakfast meeting hosted by Siddaramaiah at his official residence in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by D. K. Shivakumar, Cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders amid intense political developments within the ruling party.
Photographs released by the Chief Minister’s Office captured emotional moments between the two senior Congress leaders. In one photograph, Siddaramaiah was seen embracing Shivakumar, while another showed the Deputy Chief Minister touching Siddaramaiah’s feet and seeking his blessings ahead of the leadership transition.
The visuals quickly gained widespread attention on social media and were viewed as symbolic of the smooth transfer of leadership within the Karnataka Congress.
Siddaramaiah informs Cabinet about resignation
Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office said Siddaramaiah informed ministers during the breakfast meeting that he would resign following directions from the Congress high command.
Karnataka Law Minister H. K. Patil later confirmed the development and stated that there was complete unanimity within the party regarding the leadership change.
“The CM, quoting discussions with the high command, has said that he will resign. There is no point of dissent anywhere. It is unanimous and everyone is agreeable to whatever the high command has said,” Patil told reporters.
Sources said Siddaramaiah also sought an appointment with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to formally submit his resignation. However, Raj Bhavan officials stated that the Governor is currently away from Bengaluru and has travelled to Indore due to a family emergency.
According to officials, Siddaramaiah is expected to complete the resignation formalities after the Governor’s return.
Outgoing CM delivers emotional speech
During the breakfast meeting, Siddaramaiah reportedly became emotional while addressing Cabinet colleagues and reflecting on his long political journey with them.
“Over the last 20 years, I have shouted at many of you, lost my temper and spoken harshly at times. Please do not take it personally or keep it in your heart. Whatever I did was in the interest of the party and the government. All of you have stood by me through these years, and I thank you for your support,” Siddaramaiah told ministers.
The outgoing Chief Minister’s remarks reportedly moved several ministers and party leaders present at the gathering.
Siddaramaiah, widely regarded as one of Karnataka’s most influential Congress leaders, has played a central role in the party’s politics over the last two decades and remains a strong political figure among backward communities and rural voters.
Siddaramaiah likely to meet Rahul Gandhi
After submitting his resignation, Siddaramaiah is expected to travel to Delhi later in the evening to meet senior Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi.
Sources indicated that Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Surjewala may accompany him for discussions with the party high command regarding his future role within the organisation.
The meeting is expected to focus on responsibilities Siddaramaiah may take up at the national level after stepping down as Chief Minister.
Earlier reports suggested that the Congress leadership had considered offering Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha berth from Karnataka along with a major organisational role ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
However, sources stated that Siddaramaiah is not keen on moving to the Rajya Sabha and prefers to continue as an MLA in Karnataka.
Party leaders are also believed to be considering a broader national role for Siddaramaiah, particularly in strengthening the Congress party’s outreach among Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
DK Shivakumar set to become next CM
The latest developments have effectively cleared the path for D. K. Shivakumar to assume charge as Karnataka’s next Chief Minister.
A Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting is expected to be held shortly, during which Shivakumar is likely to be formally elected as the new leader of the legislature party.
His swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place over the weekend, with Sunday emerging as the probable date.
Political observers noted that the leadership transition marks the culmination of a long-standing power-sharing arrangement speculated within Congress circles since the party’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.
Following the election win, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had emerged as strong contenders for the Chief Minister’s post. The Congress leadership eventually persuaded Shivakumar to accept the Deputy Chief Minister position.
Though the party never officially confirmed it, reports had long suggested that a rotational chief minister arrangement existed under which Shivakumar would assume office after two-and-a-half years.
Congress seeks stability ahead of future elections
The Congress high command is believed to have facilitated the leadership transition to maintain internal unity and avoid prolonged factional tensions within the Karnataka unit.
Supporters of Siddaramaiah gathered outside his official residence throughout the day, raising slogans in his support amid emotional scenes surrounding his resignation.
Political analysts believe the transition represents a crucial moment for Karnataka politics and could significantly influence the Congress party’s strategy ahead of future state and national elections.
With D. K. Shivakumar poised to become Chief Minister, attention is now turning towards possible Cabinet changes, administrative priorities and the future direction of the Karnataka government.