Siddaramaiah resigns: Celebrations at Shivakumar's Bengaluru home as CM change looms
Synopsis
Karnataka's political landscape shifted dramatically on 28 May when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation at a breakfast meeting, with the Congress high command reportedly already naming D.K. Shivakumar as successor. Celebrations erupted outside Shivakumar's Sadashivanagar home even before the formal paperwork was filed — a rare public preview of a power transition still in motion.
Key Takeaways
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on 28 May at a breakfast meeting at his official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru.
The Congress high command has reportedly conveyed that D.K.
Shivakumar will be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Celebrations broke out at Shivakumar's home in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru , with supporters distributing sweets and chanting slogans.
Siddaramaiah was scheduled to submit his resignation at Lok Bhavan at 2.30 pm , followed by a press conference at 3 pm .
Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot is currently in Indore, Madhya Pradesh due to a personal emergency, complicating the formal handover.
Shivakumar is reportedly set to visit Nonavinakere Mutt to seek blessings and finalise an auspicious time for the swearing-in.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday, 28 May announced his decision to resign during a high-profile breakfast meeting at his official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru, setting off celebrations outside the home of Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress president D.K. Shivakumar — widely expected to be sworn in as the state's next chief minister. The Congress high command has reportedly conveyed to Siddaramaiah that Shivakumar will succeed him.
Scenes at Shivakumar's Residence
Large crowds of Shivakumar's supporters descended on his home in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, shortly after news of Siddaramaiah's announcement broke. Supporters were seen chanting slogans, distributing sweets, and celebrating amid strong speculation that the deputy chief minister is set to assume the top post. Police and security personnel were deployed in significant numbers to manage the swelling crowd and maintain order.
What Siddaramaiah Said at the Cabinet Meeting
According to sources, Siddaramaiah addressed his Cabinet colleagues before the formal announcement, speaking about the state's financial condition, the challenges involved in implementing the government's guarantee schemes, and the importance of sustaining welfare programmes going forward. He reportedly urged his ministers to continue delivering good governance to the people of Karnataka.
Sources described Siddaramaiah as composed during the address. However, he reportedly became emotional after concluding his remarks. 'I am satisfied with the work that I have done,' he is said to have told his colleagues. Several ministers considered close to him, including Labour Minister Santosh Lad, were also reportedly moved during the meeting.
Shivakumar's Next Steps
After the meeting, Shivakumar returned to his residence. Sources close to him indicated he is expected to visit Nonavinakere Mutt to seek the blessings of seer Ajjayya Swamiji and discuss an auspicious time for the swearing-in ceremony. He is reportedly accompanied by his daughter during the visit.
Resignation Formalities and Security at Lok Bhavan
Security was tightened at Lok Bhavan ahead of Siddaramaiah's scheduled arrival to submit his resignation. Barricades were installed around the premises and senior officials stepped up security arrangements. Lok Bhavan Secretary R. Prabhushankar arrived at the premises to receive the resignation letter. Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot is currently in Indore, Madhya Pradesh following a personal emergency, which is expected to affect the formal acceptance process.
The Chief Minister's office confirmed: 'Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will visit Lok Bhavan today at 2.30 pm. Later, at 3 pm, he will address a press conference at his other official residence, 'Krishna'.' State Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil also confirmed after the breakfast meeting: 'CM is going to Raj Bhavan. CM Siddaramaiah will make Shivakumar the new CM.'
Members of the Council of Ministers reportedly expressed their consent and support following Siddaramaiah's announcement. With the Congress high command's backing firmly behind Shivakumar, Karnataka now awaits the formal swearing-in of its next chief minister.
Point of View
He was nudged. The timing, mid-term and without a visible trigger beyond governance fatigue, suggests Delhi exercised the kind of centralised control over state leadership that has defined the party's post-2019 management style. Shivakumar brings organisational muscle and fundraising clout, but inherits a state grappling with fiscal stress from its own guarantee schemes. The real question is whether a change of face also means a change of direction on Karnataka's finances — or whether the new CM simply carries the same commitments with a different signature.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Siddaramaiah resign as Karnataka Chief Minister?
Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on 28 May following a directive from the Congress high command, which reportedly conveyed that D.K. Shivakumar would be the next chief minister. At the Cabinet meeting, Siddaramaiah cited the state's financial condition and challenges in implementing guarantee schemes as context for the transition.
Who will be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka?
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress president D.K. Shivakumar is set to become the next Chief Minister, according to sources. The Congress high command has reportedly communicated this decision, and Cabinet ministers have expressed their consent.
What happens next in the Karnataka CM transition?
Siddaramaiah was scheduled to submit his resignation at Lok Bhavan at 2.30 pm on 28 May, followed by a press conference at 3 pm. Shivakumar is expected to visit Nonavinakere Mutt to seek blessings and determine an auspicious time for the swearing-in ceremony.
Why is Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot not in Bengaluru?
Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot is currently in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, due to a personal emergency. As a result, Siddaramaiah's resignation letter is expected to be submitted to Lok Bhavan Secretary R. Prabhushankar in the Governor's absence.
What did Karnataka ministers say about the leadership change?
Members of the Council of Ministers reportedly expressed their consent and support after Siddaramaiah's announcement. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil confirmed after the breakfast meeting that Siddaramaiah would make Shivakumar the new CM.
