Siddaramaiah Resigns as Karnataka CM, D.K. Shivakumar to Succeed

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially submitted his resignation on Thursday, May 28, 2026, bringing an end to his second term in office and marking a significant political shift in the state. The resignation was tendered to the Governor's Special Secretary, Prabhu Shankar, in the absence of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. This development paves the way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to assume the top post, making him the Chief Minister-designate of Karnataka. In a press conference following his resignation, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the decision came after a directive from the Congress High Command. He stated that he had always maintained he would step down if asked by the party leadership and that he informed the High Command of his intention to resign within 48 hours. Despite stepping down from the Chief Minister's position, Siddaramaiah affirmed his commitment to remaining in active politics and vowed to fight communal forces until his last breath. He expressed gratitude to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi for the opportunities provided, including serving as Chief Minister twice and Leader of Opposition twice. Siddaramaiah's tenure as Chief Minister spanned two non-consecutive terms. He first served a full five-year term from 2013 to 2018, becoming the first Chief Minister in 40 years to do so. He returned to the helm in May 2023 after the Congress party's victory in the state assembly elections. During his first term, he was a key architect of the 'AHINDA' social coalition, representing minorities, backward classes, and Dalits, and implemented various welfare measures and social justice initiatives. He holds the record for presenting the state budget a record 17 times. The transition in leadership follows weeks of intense speculation and an apparent leadership tussle within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka. Reports suggest that D.K. Shivakumar's camp had been pushing for his elevation to the Chief Minister's post, reportedly based on a 'promise' made during the 2023 state Assembly elections. The outgoing Chief Minister embraced an emotional D.K. Shivakumar during a breakfast meeting hosted at his residence for cabinet colleagues, where he informed them of his decision. The political change is a significant event for Karnataka, a state crucial for the Congress party in southern India. Siddaramaiah's continued presence in active politics, even after stepping down as CM, indicates his enduring influence and commitment to the party's ideological battles. His resignation also makes way for D.K. Shivakumar, a seasoned politician and the state Congress chief, to lead the government, potentially ushering in a new phase of governance and political dynamics in Karnataka. Shivakumar, known as a troubleshooter for the Congress, has been instrumental in the party's recent electoral successes and currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister, holding portfolios such as Water Resources and Bengaluru Development. His assets are reported to be over ₹1,400 crore, making him one of the wealthiest politicians in the state. This leadership change highlights the internal workings of the Congress party's high command in managing leadership transitions and balancing the ambitions of its prominent state leaders. The party aims to ensure stability and smooth governance in Karnataka while addressing the aspirations of different factions. The Hindu's live coverage provided real-time updates on these critical political developments.

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