Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has officially accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, bringing a significant political transition in the state closer to reality.
The resignation was accepted a day after the senior Congress leader stepped down from the post following intense speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka.
In an official notification issued on Friday, the Governor also dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by Siddaramaiah with immediate effect. However, Siddaramaiah has been asked to continue as caretaker chief minister until alternative arrangements are made.
The Congress veteran resigned on May 28, stating that he was following the directions of the party leadership. His departure marks the end of his second tenure as Karnataka chief minister, which began after the Congress secured a decisive victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters after his resignation, Siddaramaiah clarified that the decision regarding the next chief minister would be taken by the Congress high command and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP).
“I have given my resignation on my own accord. Whoever the high command and legislature party chooses will be the CM of the state,” Siddaramaiah said.
The outgoing chief minister also dismissed speculation about moving to national politics. He revealed that he had declined an offer to shift to the Rajya Sabha, saying he preferred to remain active in Karnataka politics.
“I want to remain in state politics and continue serving the people. I still have two more years as an MLA,” he added.
DK Shivakumar Emerges as Frontrunner
Amid the leadership transition, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged as the leading contender for the top post. According to sources, Siddaramaiah informally indicated Shivakumar’s name during a breakfast meeting with senior cabinet colleagues on Thursday.
Although the Congress party has not officially confirmed the appointment, Shivakumar’s organisational strength and close ties with the party leadership have strengthened his position within the state unit.
Senior Congress leaders believe Shivakumar played a crucial role in rebuilding the party’s structure in Karnataka and managing key political challenges over the years.
“DK Shivakumar’s rise reflects the party’s trust in his leadership and crisis-management abilities,” a senior Congress leader said.
Siddaramaiah Reflects on Political Journey
In his farewell remarks, Siddaramaiah highlighted his nearly five decades in public life and reiterated his commitment to constitutional values and public service.
“I have never compromised on my ideology. Only people’s support can bring leaders to power,” he said while thanking Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for their continued support.
He also accused the opposition of spreading misinformation about his government’s welfare guarantees and financial management.
“They claimed we would not be able to fulfil our promises, but we proved them wrong,” Siddaramaiah stated.
Leadership Transition in Focus
The political transition in Karnataka comes amid long-standing discussions within the Congress regarding a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after the 2023 elections.
While Siddaramaiah was chosen as chief minister at the time, supporters of Shivakumar consistently pushed for his elevation in the future. The latest developments now place the Congress leadership under pressure to ensure a smooth transition ahead of upcoming political challenges in the state.
The party is expected to hold further consultations before formally announcing Karnataka’s next chief minister.
