Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka CM, BJP targets Congress leadership
Synopsis
Siddaramaiah's exit as Karnataka Chief Minister wasn't just a routine leadership rotation — it exposed the Congress High Command's direct hand in state governance and handed the BJP a ready-made attack line. With D.K. Shivakumar waiting in the wings, the transition will test whether the Congress can project stability or confirm the BJP's narrative of internal disarray.
Key Takeaways
Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on 29 May , submitting his resignation at Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru .
He stated the resignation was made on the direction of the Congress High Command .
BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya claimed Siddaramaiah 'was doing bad politics' and predicted BJP would return to power in Karnataka soon.
Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel rejected BJP criticism, calling it 'hatred and lies' and reaffirming loyalty to the High Command.
At 78 , Siddaramaiah joins a small group of Karnataka leaders to have served as Chief Minister more than once.
Shivakumar is widely expected to be the frontrunner for the Chief Minister's post.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation on Thursday, 29 May, formally ending his tenure and triggering an immediate political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seizing on the development to question the Indian National Congress leadership's grip on the state. The resignation was submitted to the Governor's secretary at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Cabinet ministers, and senior party leaders.
How the Resignation Unfolded
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru alongside Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Siddaramaiah said he had stepped down in accordance with directions from the Congress High Command. He stated he would always abide by the High Command's decision and had followed its guidance in resigning. The development formally concluded weeks of political uncertainty and internal discussions within the ruling party.
BJP's Sharp Response
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya did not hold back, saying: 'Siddaramaiah was doing bad politics. He wants to finish the Congress in Karnataka.' He added, 'He thinks that if he is not there, what will Congress do in Karnataka? It depends on Congress what decision will be taken, it is certain BJP will come to power there soon.' West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh also weighed in, remarking, 'It has been a tradition in the Congress that no Chief Minister is able to complete their tenure. The same applies to the ministers. It is their internal matter who resigns, but people deserve development and justice.'
Congress Pushes Back
Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel dismissed the BJP's commentary, stating: 'No member of Congress will question the decision of the High Command. The BJP's only job is to spread hatred and lies. Whatever responsibility is given, we are supposed to keep working. BJP is deliberately spreading rumours.' The remarks underscored the Congress's effort to project unity despite a high-profile leadership change.
Siddaramaiah's Political Legacy
Siddaramaiah, 78, is widely regarded as the Congress's tallest mass leader in Karnataka in recent memory. With this resignation, he joins a select group of Karnataka leaders who have served as Chief Minister more than once, including S. Nijalingappa, Veerendra Patil, D. Devaraj Urs, Ramakrishna Hegde, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and B.S. Yediyurappa. His departure marks the end of a tenure that came after the Congress's emphatic return to power in the state.
What Comes Next
Attention now turns to the Congress High Command's next move — specifically, whether D.K. Shivakumar will be elevated to the Chief Minister's post, a scenario that had been the subject of prolonged speculation. The leadership transition will be closely watched as a signal of how the Congress manages coalition dynamics ahead of future electoral cycles in Karnataka.
Point of View
If elevated, can consolidate the OBC and Vokkaliga coalition that Siddaramaiah held together. If he cannot, the Congress may have traded a short-term power balance for a long-term electoral liability.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Siddaramaiah resign as Karnataka Chief Minister?
Siddaramaiah resigned on 29 May on the direction of the Congress High Command, as he stated at a press conference in Bengaluru. The resignation followed weeks of political speculation and internal discussions within the ruling party.
Who was present when Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation?
Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor's secretary at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Cabinet ministers, and senior Congress leaders.
What did the BJP say about Siddaramaiah's resignation?
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya said Siddaramaiah 'was doing bad politics' and predicted BJP would return to power in Karnataka soon. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh called it consistent with a Congress pattern of Chief Ministers not completing their tenures.
How did the Congress respond to the BJP's criticism?
Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel dismissed the BJP's remarks as 'hatred and lies', saying no Congress member would question the High Command's decision and that the BJP was 'deliberately spreading rumours'.
What is Siddaramaiah's political significance in Karnataka?
Siddaramaiah, 78, is regarded as the Congress's tallest mass leader in Karnataka in recent times. With this resignation, he joins a rare group of Karnataka leaders — including H.D. Kumaraswamy and B.S. Yediyurappa — who have served as Chief Minister more than once.
