Siddaramaiah to resign as Karnataka CM, Shivakumar set to take over
Synopsis
Karnataka's political churn reached its tipping point on Thursday morning — Siddaramaiah announced his resignation over breakfast, with Shivakumar set to be anointed the next Chief Minister at a Congress Legislature Party meeting. The transition fulfils a long-rumoured power-sharing deal and reshapes the balance of power within Karnataka Congress ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on 28 May at a breakfast meeting at his official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru .
Shivakumar is set to be named the next Chief Minister at a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting.
Patil confirmed after the meeting: 'CM Siddaramaiah will make Shivakumar the new CM.' Siddaramaiah was scheduled to visit Lok Bhavan at 2.30 pm and address a press conference at 3 pm .
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was out of Bengaluru, but Congress sources said the resignation process would proceed on schedule.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday, 28 May announced his decision to step down, informing cabinet colleagues during a breakfast meeting at his official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru. The announcement marks a significant leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress government, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar widely expected to succeed him.
What Happened at the Breakfast Meeting
Siddaramaiah hosted a breakfast gathering at 'Kaveri' that was attended by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, several cabinet ministers, and senior Congress leaders. Upon arrival, Shivakumar touched Siddaramaiah's feet as a mark of respect before embracing him — a gesture that was photographed and released by both leaders' offices. Party insiders indicated the photographs were deliberately shared to project unity within the Karnataka Congress leadership.
According to sources present at the meeting, Siddaramaiah calmly informed those gathered that he would submit his resignation by 3 pm. He appeared composed throughout, sources said.
The Official Timeline
The Chief Minister's office confirmed the schedule in an official statement: Siddaramaiah was to visit Lok Bhavan at 2.30 pm, followed by a press conference at 3 pm at his other official residence, 'Krishna'. State Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil, speaking to reporters after leaving the breakfast meeting, said, 'CM is going to Raj Bhavan. CM Siddaramaiah will make Shivakumar the new CM.'
Shivakumar's Path to the Top Post
Congress insiders said Siddaramaiah is expected to formally announce Shivakumar's name at a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, which the party leadership had yet to schedule as of Thursday morning. Shivakumar, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and incumbent Deputy CM, has long been considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post.
Governor's Absence and the Resignation Process
Adding a layer of political intrigue, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot left Bengaluru ahead of the planned resignation, triggering speculation about possible delays. However, Congress sources maintained that the Governor's absence would not alter the timeline, and that Siddaramaiah had been instructed to submit his resignation to the Governor's office regardless. Party leaders stated that all developments would proceed as per the set schedule.
What Comes Next
The Congress Legislature Party meeting, once convened, is expected to formally endorse Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. The transition, if completed as planned, would fulfil a reported power-sharing arrangement that had been a subject of speculation since the Congress swept back to power in the state. All eyes are now on the CLP meeting date and the Governor's return to Bengaluru.
Point of View
Or whether the factional undercurrents that have defined Karnataka Congress since 2023 resurface once Shivakumar actually occupies the chair. The Congress high command has a track record of engineering smooth handovers that turn contentious; the CLP meeting date and the composition of the new cabinet will be the real indicators of who actually controls the government. Governor Gehlot's convenient absence from Bengaluru adds procedural ambiguity that could yet be exploited if either camp gets cold feet.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Siddaramaiah resigning as Karnataka Chief Minister?
Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on 28 May 2025, reportedly as part of a power-sharing arrangement within the Karnataka Congress. He informed cabinet colleagues at a breakfast meeting at his residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru, stating he would submit his resignation by 3 pm.
Who will be the next Karnataka Chief Minister after Siddaramaiah?
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is widely expected to be named the next Karnataka Chief Minister. Congress insiders said Siddaramaiah would announce Shivakumar's name at the Congress Legislature Party meeting, which was yet to be scheduled as of Thursday.
What is the Congress Legislature Party meeting and when will it be held?
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting is a formal gathering of all Congress MLAs in Karnataka that will officially endorse the new Chief Minister. The party leadership had not announced a date for the meeting as of Thursday morning, 28 May.
Does Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's absence affect the resignation?
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot left Bengaluru ahead of the planned resignation, but Congress sources said this would not affect the timeline. Siddaramaiah was instructed to submit his resignation to the Governor's office regardless of the Governor's physical presence in the city.
What was the significance of the breakfast meeting at 'Kaveri'?
The breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah's official residence 'Kaveri' was where he formally informed cabinet ministers and Congress leaders of his resignation. The meeting also featured a widely photographed moment of Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah's feet, which party insiders said was a deliberate signal of unity between the two camps.
