Siddaramaiah Steps Down As Karnataka CM

Karnataka CM Change: Siddaramaiah Resigns

Karnataka politics entered a major transition phase after Siddaramaiah resigned as Chief Minister on May 28, 2026. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted his resignation on May 29, 2026, and dissolved the council of ministers with immediate effect. However, Siddaramaiah will continue as caretaker Chief Minister until the next arrangement is made.

The resignation came after months of speculation over a Congress leadership change in the state. Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru after the party high command reportedly asked him to step down. He thanked Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress legislators, and the people of Karnataka for supporting his tenure. He also made it clear that he is not retiring from politics and will continue to work in state politics.

DK Shivakumar Likely To Take Over

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is now widely seen as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar travelled to Delhi for talks with senior Congress leaders on the leadership transition, cabinet reshuffle, and party matters.

The change is being linked to the power-sharing understanding discussed after Congress won the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. Shivakumar’s supporters have long claimed that he was promised the top post after part of the term. With the resignation now accepted, all eyes are now on Congress as it finalises Karnataka’s next Chief Minister and a fresh cabinet structure.