Siddaramaiah Resigns as Karnataka CM: End of an Era as DK Shivakumar Poised to Take Over

By Bangalore Mail Political Bureau

Bengaluru | May 28, 2026

In a monumental development that alters the political landscape of Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially tendered his resignation today. The veteran Congress leader visited Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on Thursday afternoon to submit his resignation letter to the Governor’s office, effectively concluding his three-year tenure in his second term as the head of the state government. 

The high-stakes political transition marks the culmination of intense deliberations within the Congress high command and brings an end to a long-standing internal leadership arrangement. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is now poised to succeed him as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. 

An Emotional Farewell at ‘Kaveri’

The day began with high drama at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’, where Siddaramaiah hosted a breakfast meeting for his Cabinet colleagues. It was during this meeting that the 77-year-old political stalwart gracefully announced his decision to step down, citing instructions from the Congress high command to honor the 2023 power-sharing agreement. 

Ministers present at the meeting reported an emotional atmosphere. Labour Minister Santosh Lad broke down while speaking to reporters outside the residence, while Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil confirmed that the transition was smooth and mutually agreed upon.

“Mr. Siddaramaiah informed the meeting that he would resign at 3:00 PM and urged us all to collectively support D.K. Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister,” H.K. Patil stated.

In a public display of unity and reverence, D.K. Shivakumar was seen touching Siddaramaiah’s feet and hugging him during the breakfast meet, signaling solidarity within the party ranks. 


The Power-Sharing Pact and Delhi Marathon Meets

The resignation follows a series of marathon meetings in New Delhi earlier this week, involving Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and D.K. Shivakumar.

When the Congress swept to power in Karnataka in May 2023, insider reports highlighted a confidential internal agreement stipulating that Siddaramaiah would lead the government for the first three years, after which Shivakumar—the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief—would take the reins.

True to his word given to Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah chose to step aside gracefully. While the high command has reportedly offered the outgoing leader a prestigious Rajya Sabha seat and a prominent national role, sources close to Siddaramaiah suggest he prefers to remain close to his roots in state politics. 

Siddaramaiah’s Legacy: A Five-Decade Political Journey

With this resignation, Siddaramaiah concludes a historic stint in Karnataka politics. Across his two terms (2013–2018 and 2023–2026), he served more than eight years as Chief Minister, surpassing the record of his mentor and backward class champion, D. Devaraj Urs. 

Known for his championing of the AHINDA coalition (a social alliance of Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits), his governance model was heavily anchored on welfare politics—most notably the five flagship guarantee schemes that propelled the party to victory in 2023. However, his second term also faced significant headwinds, including factional friction and intense scrutiny over controversies like the MUDA site allotment issue.



What Lies Ahead for Karnataka?

Security has been heavily beefed up across Bengaluru, with over 1,000 police personnel deployed around Raj Bhavan, Lok Bhavan, and the private residences of both leaders to prevent any untoward incidents as supporters begin to gather. 

The focus now shifts entirely to the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026, where D.K. Shivakumar is expected to be formally elected as the leader. 

As Bengaluru prepares for a new leadership era under the “Troubleshooter” D.K. Shivakumar, the incoming administration faces the immediate challenge of maintaining party cohesion, delivering on pending developmental projects, and countering the opposition BJP’s narrative ahead of the next cycle of local and general governance.

Stay tuned to Bangalore Mail for live updates, expert analysis, and ground reports on the Karnataka Cabinet transition.