Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on Thursday, clearing the path for Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to assume leadership of the Congress government in the state.

Breakfast Meeting Confirms Transition

Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues about the decision during a breakfast meeting at his official Bengaluru residence this morning. Law Minister H K Patil confirmed that ministers present at the gathering approved Shivakumar's name as the successor.

The outgoing Chief Minister is scheduled to visit Lok Bhavan at 2:30 PM to submit his resignation papers, followed by a press conference at 3 PM. Visuals from the breakfast meeting showed Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah's feet in a traditional gesture, after which the two leaders embraced—images that political circles interpreted as a signal of unity within the Congress.

Governor Out of Bengaluru

Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with Governor Thawarchand Gehlot to formally tender his resignation. However, officials confirmed the Governor is currently in Indore due to personal reasons. Under constitutional provisions, the Chief Minister can submit his resignation in writing to Raj Bhavan officials even in the Governor's absence. Siddaramaiah will remain in office until the resignation is formally accepted.

 The 2.5-Year Formula Takes Effect

Speculation over a leadership change has shadowed the Karnataka Congress ever since it formed government in May 2023. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were strong contenders for the top post at the time. According to party insiders, Rahul Gandhi and the high command brokered an informal rotational arrangement—Siddaramaiah would serve the first half of the term, and Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years.

Though Siddaramaiah's supporters repeatedly denied any formal agreement, the Shivakumar camp consistently maintained the deal existed. The government completed two-and-a-half years in November 2025, after which pressure from Shivakumar's faction intensified. A six-hour meeting in Delhi on May 26 finalised the transition plan.

 Major Cabinet Reshuffle Expected

The leadership change is likely to trigger a significant cabinet overhaul. Sources indicate 15 to 20 ministers could be dropped or replaced. Discussions are underway regarding two Deputy Chief Minister posts to balance caste and regional equations—one position may go to a Dalit leader, another to a Lingayat or OBC face. Siddaramaiah's son is also expected to be accommodated in the new cabinet.

 BJP Launches Attack

The opposition BJP quickly criticised the Congress over the developments. State BJP president BY Vijayendra claimed internal infighting had paralysed governance and accused the Siddaramaiah government of pushing Karnataka into heavy debt. The BJP has repeatedly attacked the Congress over leadership speculation since 2023, arguing the state government remained distracted by power struggles.

The Congress Legislature Party is expected to meet on Friday to formally elect Shivakumar as its leader before staking claim to form the new government.