Bengaluru: Ending months of political uncertainty in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formally submitted his resignation from the post on Thursday, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to take over the top office in the state.
Siddaramaiah handed over his resignation letter to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to the Governor, at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is currently out of the state and is expected to return later in the night to complete the formal process of accepting the resignation.
Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Siddaramaiah confirmed that he had stepped down from the Chief Minister’s post and said he was making way for the next leader.
“I have tendered my resignation from the Chief Minister’s post. I am making way for the next CM,” Siddaramaiah said after meeting officials at Lok Bhavan. He also expressed confidence that the Governor would accept his resignation in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The veteran Congress leader thanked Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for giving him the opportunity to serve Karnataka twice as Chief Minister.
Decision follows high-level discussions
The resignation came hours after a breakfast meeting held at Siddaramaiah’s official residence in Bengaluru, where he reportedly informed Cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down. Sources indicated that Siddaramaiah also endorsed Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar as his successor.
According to reports, Siddaramaiah informed ministers that the Congress high command had asked him to resign as part of a planned leadership transition within the party. The move is expected to end prolonged internal discussions and factional tensions between supporters of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
The Congress leadership is believed to have facilitated the transition in an attempt to ensure stability in the state government ahead of future political challenges.
D. K. Shivakumar likely to take over
A Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting is expected to be held on Friday, during which D. K. Shivakumar is likely to be elected as the new leader of the Congress Legislature Party.
Party sources indicated that Shivakumar’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister could take place over the weekend after the Governor completes the constitutional formalities related to Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
Supporters of Shivakumar gathered outside his residence following the announcement, celebrating the expected leadership transition in Karnataka. Political observers believe the move could significantly reshape the Congress party’s internal dynamics in the state.
Siddaramaiah’s political legacy
Siddaramaiah returned to power in May 2023 after leading the Congress party to a decisive victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections. Earlier this year, he became Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister, surpassing the record held by former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in Karnataka politics, Siddaramaiah has played a major role in shaping the Congress party’s political strategy in the state over the past two decades.
During his tenure, the government implemented several welfare programmes and social schemes targeting economically weaker sections, backward communities and women. However, his administration also faced criticism over internal political conflicts and governance-related challenges.
Political analysts believe the transition marks a significant moment for Karnataka Congress politics, with D. K. Shivakumar now expected to lead the party into the next phase of governance and future electoral battles.
Congress aims for stability
The leadership change is being viewed as an effort by the Congress high command to maintain unity within the party and prevent prolonged factional disputes in Karnataka.
Party leaders have expressed confidence that the transition will take place smoothly and that the government will continue functioning without disruption.
With Shivakumar expected to assume office shortly, attention is now focused on possible Cabinet reshuffles, administrative priorities and the future political direction of the Congress government in Karnataka.
