Karnataka CM News Live Updates: Karnataka governor accepts Siddaramaiah's resignation
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  • Karnataka CM News Live Updates: Karnataka governor accepts Siddaramaiah's resignation
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 29, 2026, 22:23:31 IST
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Karnataka CM News Live Updates: Karnataka governor accepts Siddaramaiah's resignation

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah resigned on Thursday following months of speculation over a leadership change, clearing the path for his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to take over the state’s top post. Prabhu Shankar, special secretary to the governor, confirmed receipt of the resignation, though formal acceptance is pending as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is currently in Madhya Pradesh.

The resignation came shortly after Siddaramaiah reportedly informed cabinet colleagues during a breakfast meeting at his residence. The Karnataka Congress later shared photographs highlighting the cordial relationship between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, captioned: “Unity is our strength!” In several images, Shivakumar was seen seeking Siddaramaiah’s blessings.

Earlier, Congress leaders gathered at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru for a crucial breakfast meeting. Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy also indicated that party leaders would abide by whatever decision the high command takes, saying, “Whatever the party decides, we will follow it.”

The transition follows marathon meetings involving Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. According to party insiders, Rahul Gandhi urged Siddaramaiah to facilitate a smooth leadership change and consider a larger national role within the Congress organisation. Siddaramaiah reportedly agreed after consultations with loyalists, though he remains reluctant about shifting to Delhi politics despite being offered a Rajya Sabha berth.

The possible elevation of Shivakumar is being viewed as the culmination of a power-sharing understanding reportedly reached after the Congress’s 2023 Karnataka assembly election victory. Shivakumar’s supporters have consistently argued that he was promised the chief minister’s post after two-and-a-half years. While the Congress never officially confirmed such an arrangement, the leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has remained one of the defining undercurrents of Karnataka politics over the past three years.
15:15 (IST) May 28

Accordingly day before yesterday high command asked me to resign, I said I will resign in 48 hours

Siddaramaiah

15:14 (IST) May 28
Governor will look into my resignation letter after coming back, says Siddaramaiah
"Governor will look into my resignation letter after coming back from his tour and I am confident that he will accept it as it is a constitutional action," he said.
15:13 (IST) May 28
I have resigned as CM of Karnataka by submitting the resignation letter to the governor office in Lok Bhavan, says Siddaramaiah
15:12 (IST) May 28

Governor is not in town and is scheduled to arrive later in the night and thus have submitted the resignation letter to his secretary

Outgoing Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

15:11 (IST) May 28
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Thursday after months of speculation, paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar for the top post.
Prabhu Shankar, special secretary to governor, said, "I have received the resignation of Siddaramaiah (as the CM), but only the Governor can accept it after he returns." Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot left for his residence in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh, earlier today.
15:08 (IST) May 28
Karnataka CM News: Siddaramaiah submits resignation as Karnataka CM
Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to Karnataka Governor, says, "I have received the resignation of Siddaramaiah (as the CM), but only the Governor can accept it after he returns."

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot left for his residence in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh, earlier today.
15:06 (IST) May 28
Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar at Lok Bhavan, outgoing CM to tender resignation
Karnataka appears set for a major political transition, with chief minister Siddaramaiah arriving at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on Thursday alongside deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar to submit his resignation. The two leaders reached the venue after attending a high-level breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’, and are expected to address the media later in the day.

Karnataka Minister H K Patil confirmed that Siddaramaiah would step down at 3 pm and that Shivakumar had been chosen as his successor. He said the decision was conveyed during the breakfast meeting held amid growing speculation over a leadership change in the Congress government, which recently completed three years in office.

During the meeting, Shivakumar was seen touching Siddaramaiah’s feet before the two leaders embraced warmly, signalling a smooth transition.
14:51 (IST) May 28
Siddaramaiah reaches Lok Bhavan, set to resign as Karnataka CM shortly
14:50 (IST) May 28
Siddaramaiah to resign, Shivakumar will be next CM, says Minister Patil
Karnataka law minister H K Patil on Thursday said chief minister Siddaramaiah had informed ministers of his decision to resign, adding that deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar would succeed him. Speaking after a breakfast meeting hosted by the Chief Minister, Patil said the leadership change was in line with directions from the Congress high command and described the decision as unanimous, with no dissent among ministers.

Patil added that formal steps to appoint Shivakumar as Chief Minister would begin during the legislature party meeting. Several ministers reportedly became emotional after Siddaramaiah announced his resignation. Labour Minister Santosh Lad broke down while speaking to reporters, while Excise Minister RB Timmapur said others were similarly affected.

Science and Technology Minister N S Boseraju said discussions also focused on the government’s achievements over the past three years and preparations for the future. He added that Siddaramaiah urged ministers to remain united, counter the BJP’s criticism, and work towards securing victory in the 2028 elections.
14:35 (IST) May 28
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar arrives at CM Siddaramaiah's residence
14:23 (IST) May 28
Security tightened at Lok Bhavan ahead of Siddaramaiah’s resignation
Security arrangements were intensified at Lok Bhavan ahead of Siddaramaiah’s scheduled arrival to submit his resignation.

Barricades were installed around the premises while senior officials reviewed security preparations. Lok Bhavan secretary R Prabhushankar arrived at the premises to receive the resignation letter, as Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot is currently in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, following a personal emergency.

An official statement issued by the chief minister’s office said, “Chief minister Siddaramaiah will visit Lok Bhavan today at 2.30 pm. Later, at 3pm, he will address a press conference at his other official residence, 'Krishna'.”

State law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil also confirmed the transition while leaving the breakfast meeting.

“CM is going to Raj Bhavan. CM Siddaramaiah will make Shivakumar the new CM,” Patil said.
14:19 (IST) May 28
Celebrations erupt outside DK Shivakumar’s residence after Siddaramaiah’s announcement
Celebrations broke out outside the Bengaluru residence of deputy chief minister and Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar shortly after Siddaramaiah informed ministers of his decision to resign during the breakfast meeting at ‘Kaveri’.

Large numbers of Shivakumar supporters gathered outside his Sadashivanagar residence, chanting slogans, distributing sweets and celebrating amid growing certainty that he would become Karnataka’s next chief minister. Police and security personnel were deployed in large numbers to manage the crowd and maintain order.

Sources said Siddaramaiah, while addressing cabinet colleagues during the meeting, spoke about the state’s financial situation, the challenges involved in implementing the Congress government’s guarantee schemes and the importance of continuing welfare programmes in the future.

According to sources, Siddaramaiah told ministers that the Congress high command had informed him that Shivakumar would be the next chief minister. Members of the council of ministers reportedly expressed their support following the announcement.

The outgoing chief minister also urged ministers to continue focusing on governance and welfare measures for the people of Karnataka.

Sources present at the meeting said Siddaramaiah remained composed while making the announcement but later turned emotional after concluding his remarks.

“I am satisfied with the work that I have done,” he reportedly told colleagues.

Several ministers considered close to Siddaramaiah, including labour minister Santosh Lad, were also said to have become emotional during the meeting.
14:02 (IST) May 28
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday met deputy CM DK Shivakumar over breakfast at his official residence ‘Kaveri’, where several ministers from the state cabinet were also present. During the meeting, Siddaramaiah reportedly informed his ministers that he would step down from the post, paving the way for DK Shivakumar and bringing an end to the months-long tussle over the top chair.

Shivakumar, who as successor apparent, upon his arrival embraced the chief minister in a warm hug. He then touched Siddaramaiah's feet to seek his blessings, underscoring the speculations of expected handover.
13:30 (IST) May 28
Congress says leadership decision will be taken by party high command
Amid the leadership transition in Karnataka, Congress MP Imran Masood said the decision on the next chief minister would be taken by the party leadership and that leaders would abide by the high command’s decision.

"It is a party matter; the party will make the decision. We all are dedicated soldiers of the party. Whatever responsibility the party assigns to anyone, that person will simply fulfill it, that’s all..." Masood said.
13:30 (IST) May 28
Everyone is fighting solely for their own personal gain vying for spoils, power, and position,' says BJP leader
"It is a misfortune for Karnataka that this situation has arisen due to the imprudence of the Congress party's national leadership. They should have made a decision regarding this a year ago...The MLAs lack the necessary funds to carry out their work. Ministers are unsure how long they will remain in their posts, and the administrative officers are in a state of confusion. It would be good if a decision were finally taken now; it really doesn't matter who ultimately takes the helm. However, true to the culture long prevailing within the Congress party in Karnataka, everyone is fighting solely for their own personal gain vying for spoils, power, and position. No one seems to have any genuine interest in the development of Karnataka...This situation is truly unfortunate and regrettable for Karnataka," said BJP MP Lehar Singh Siroya on on Karnataka CM tussle.











13:28 (IST) May 28
BJP says Congress ignored opportunity to appoint a Dalit chief minister
Reacting to Siddaramaiah’s decision to step down, BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said the Congress should have considered appointing a Dalit leader as Karnataka’s next chief minister.

"... I can't say for their internal discussion, but there should have been a Dalit CM... After this, many Dalit leaders and workers may no longer remain in Congress. Dalit MLAs and leaders should not compromise their self-respect. If offered any ministerial post instead of the chief ministership, they should refuse..." Narayanaswamy said.
12:39 (IST) May 28
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah likely to resign around 3 pm, paving way for his deputy DKS
"By 3.30 pm, he is going to resign...he has thanked all our ministers for our cooperation," said Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy after CM Siddaramaiah's breakfast meeting.
12:16 (IST) May 28
Deputy chief minister, who is also considered the frontrunner for the chief minister’s post, arrived at chief minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru along with several cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders close to the CM.

The breakfast meeting drew significant political attention as speculation over Siddaramaiah’s possible resignation continued to dominate Karnataka politics.

In a notable political gesture, Siddaramaiah warmly welcomed Shivakumar upon his arrival. After greeting the chief minister, Shivakumar touched Siddaramaiah’s feet as a mark of respect before the two leaders shared a hug. Photographs of the interaction were later released by the offices of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, amid indications of a possible leadership transition in the state.
11:35 (IST) May 28
After Siddaramaiah’s exit announcement, Congress shares visuals of unity with DK Shivakumar
11:34 (IST) May 28
Karnataka Congress showcases unity as Siddaramaiah prepares to step down
Shortly after Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah informed ministers about his decision to step down, the Karnataka Congress shared images of deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar greeting the veteran leader during the breakfast meeting in Bengaluru.

The photographs showed Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar hugging, while Shivakumar was also seen touching Siddaramaiah’s feet as a mark of respect amid the ongoing leadership transition in the state.

Sharing the images on social media, the Karnataka Congress wrote, “That day, this day, forever... Unity is our strength! Public service is our eternal commitment!”

The post appeared aimed at projecting unity within the ruling Congress as Siddaramaiah’s exit paves the way for a likely leadership change in Karnataka.
11:25 (IST) May 28
Siddaramaiah informs ministers of decision to step down at Bengaluru breakfast meeting
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah informed his ministers about his decision to step down during the breakfast meeting held at his Bengaluru residence.

The development comes amid intense speculation over a leadership transition in the Congress government, with deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Siddaramaiah.

Senior Congress leaders and ministers had gathered at the chief minister’s official residence ‘Kaveri’ earlier in the day as discussions over the state’s political future gained momentum.
11:19 (IST) May 28
BJP's Bommai attacks Rahul Gandhi; alleges ‘OBC campaign’ exposed
The BJP leader accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy over his outreach to backward class communities, claiming the party was sidelining an OBC chief minister despite publicly advocating for OBC representation.

“He has been campaigning for OBC and has removed an OBC chief minister himself. His crocodile tears for backward class has been exposed,” Bommai alleged.

He further claimed that backward class communities were disappointed with the Congress and could respond politically in the next Assembly elections.

“They are disappointed and are reacting very sharply and saying that they are going to teach a lesson in the next general election in 2028,” he added.
11:18 (IST) May 28
Removing Siddaramaiah will hurt Congress politically, says BJP's Basavaraj Bommai
BJP MP and former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj S Bommai said a possible removal of chief minister Siddaramaiah would negatively impact the Congress politically and trigger backlash from backward class communities in the state.

Speaking amid ongoing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Bommai alleged that replacing Siddaramaiah would be viewed as a betrayal of OBC communities by the Congress leadership.

“It will have impact on Congress party as well as in electoral politics of Karnataka. Especially the backward classes will go against the Congress and it is a betrayal of backward classes by Congress party, especially Rahul Gandhi,” Bommai said.
11:17 (IST) May 28
Karnataka facing financial distress under Congress rule: BJP leader Vijayendra
The BJP leader alleged that Karnataka was facing severe financial distress under the Congress government and claimed there had been no meaningful development in the state.

“Karnataka is already in a financial distress. There is no development. Farmers are in great distress. Unemployment, youths are very unhappy with the Congress government. Only guarantee... the Congress feels only because of the guarantee they will survive,” Vijayendra said.

He further claimed that several sections of society were unhappy with the ruling government and argued that a mere leadership change would not improve governance in the state.
11:03 (IST) May 28
Congress leadership change won’t help Karnataka: BJP chief BY Vijayendra
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra criticised the Congress leadership amid speculation over a possible change in the state’s chief minister, asserting that Karnataka’s interests would not be protected regardless of who takes charge.

Speaking to ANI, Vijayendra claimed that the Congress high command had already decided on a leadership change and said chief minister Siddaramaiah was “expected to resign today”.

“Congress high command has already decided to change the leadership in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah is bound to resign, and is expected to resign today. But whoever becomes the chief minister, the financial crisis that has been created because of the three years Congress government’s tenure, I don't think any chief minister would be able to address this issue,” he said.
11:01 (IST) May 28
Siddaramaiah has not sought time with governor yet, say Lok Bhavan officials amid resignation buzz
Amid intense speculation that Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah may resign to pave the way for deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar to take over, Lok Bhavan officials on Thursday said the CM has not yet sought time to meet governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

The clarification came a day after top sources in the chief minister’s office indicated that Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with the Governor for Thursday.

Officials at Lok Bhavan said Governor Gehlot is currently in his hometown Indore in Madhya Pradesh. “His Excellency is not here. There is no such information. As of now, there is no such message or information,” a senior Lok Bhavan official said when asked whether Siddaramaiah had requested a meeting.

The official added that Siddaramaiah would have to meet the Governor once he returns. Responding to a query on whether the chief minister could submit his resignation to the Lok Bhavan secretary instead, the official said it was procedurally possible.

“Yes. Then, when His Excellency arrives, he will confirm it. His Excellency may again ask him to come and submit it in person, depending on the procedure,” the official said.
10:58 (IST) May 28
Karnataka CM power play: ‘No governance due to CM-Deputy CM chair fight’: BJP attacks Congress
The BJP intensified its attack on the Karnataka government amid the Congress leadership crisis, accusing the ruling party of paralysing governance because of internal rivalry between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Karnataka LoP and BJP leader R Ashoka alleged that the ongoing “chair fight” between the two Congress leaders had damaged administration in the state. “G Parameshwara, the state Home Minister, is now saying that there is no administration in Karnataka.

For the last year, there has been no administration because of the chair fight between the CM and the deputy CM. There is no governance. Every year, they are taking more than Rs 1 lakh crore in loans,” Ashoka said in Hassan. The BJP has repeatedly accused the Congress government of being distracted by internal power struggles while key governance issues remain unresolved.
10:33 (IST) May 28
Watch: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar share a hug at the CM residence
10:21 (IST) May 28
In photos: DKS meets Siddaramaiah, seeks CM’s blessings during Bengaluru breakfast meeting
10:11 (IST) May 28
‘Up to the high command’: G Parameshwara on Siddaramaiah’s possible move to national politics
Responding to the question of possibility of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah moving to the Rajya Sabha, state home minister G Parameshwara said any decision regarding a possible role for the senior Congress leader in national politics would be taken by the party high command.

Talking to the reporters Parameshwara said he was not aware of any such proposal.

“Now, this is all, these decisions have to be taken by the high command. So, at this point of time, I am not aware whether he was offered a position in Delhi. It is up to the high command,” he said.
10:08 (IST) May 28

Chief minister has called all the ministers for a breakfast and before he submits the resignation he wants to thank all the ministers for their cooperation and things like that. That's why he has called a breakfast meeting.

Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara

10:07 (IST) May 28
Watch: Karnataka home minister says CM has invited to thank ministers before resignation
10:04 (IST) May 28
Siddaramaiah called ministers to thank them before resigning: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara
Karnataka minister G Parameshwara ahead of the breakfast meeting hosted by chief minister Siddaramaiah said that the CM has invited the leader to thank them for their cooperation ahead of his expected resignation.

“The chief minister has called all the ministers for breakfast and before he resigns, he wants to thank all the ministers for their cooperation,” Parameshwara told reporters.

Responding to speculation about Siddaramaiah potentially being offered a role in Delhi, the minister said, “I am not aware whether he was offered a position in Delhi; it is up to the high command.”

His remarks came amid heightened political activity in Karnataka and growing speculation over a possible leadership transition in the Congress government.
09:57 (IST) May 28
Watch: Karnataka MLA says 'will follow what party decides' ahead of CM's breakfast meet
09:56 (IST) May 28
‘Whatever the party decides, we will follow’: Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy amid Karnataka political buzz
Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy said party leaders would abide by whatever decision the Congress high command takes amid intensifying speculation over political developments in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters after arriving at chief minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru for a breakfast meeting, Rayareddy said, “Whatever the party decides, we will follow it. I have come for the breakfast. I know that the Government is not there, so let us see the developments.”

His remarks came as senior Congress leaders gathered at Siddaramaiah’s residence amid growing buzz over a possible leadership transition in the state government.
09:51 (IST) May 28
Watch: Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge leaves for CM Siddaramaiah's breakfast meet
09:50 (IST) May 28
Watch: DKS supporters distribute sweets and raise slogans in his support outside his residence
09:47 (IST) May 28
Karnataka power play: DKS supporters distribute sweets outside his residence amid CM speculation
Supporters of deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar distributed sweets outside his Bengaluru residence as they gathered outside amid speculation that he could become the next chief minister of Karnataka.

The celebrations came as Congress leaders gathered for crucial discussions on the state’s political leadership.

Former Bengaluru mayor R Sampath Raj was among the leaders seen arriving at Shivakumar’s residence. At the same time, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah convened a breakfast meeting with Congress leaders in Bengaluru.
09:45 (IST) May 28
DK Shivakumar arrives at Siddaramaiah’s residence for key Congress breakfast meeting
Amid speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar arrived at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s official residence ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru on Thursday for a breakfast meeting with senior Congress leaders.

Several Karnataka ministers, including Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy and HK Patil, were also seen arriving at the residence amid tight security arrangements.

Talks of a possible leadership transition in Karnataka have resurfaced in recent months despite repeated denials from the Congress leadership.

Speculation over DK Shivakumar’s elevation intensified after the Congress government completed half of its tenure, with party sources indicating that another round of discussions is expected before a final decision is taken. The Congress government in Karnataka has now completed three years in office.

The Congress leadership appears inclined towards a change and has reportedly conveyed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to pave the way for the transition, news agency ANI reported citing sources.
09:38 (IST) May 28
Karnataka CM news: Congress high command to decide on Karnataka leadership: TB Jayachandra
State Congress MLA TB Jayachandra said any decision regarding Karnataka’s leadership would be taken strictly according to the directions of the party high command.

“Any development which is happening in Karnataka is as per the directions of the High Command only. Yesterday, there was a big marathon meeting. A lot of issues have been discussed. Accordingly, they will do it tomorrow,” Jayachandra told ANI.

The remarks came after senior Karnataka Congress leaders held discussions with the party leadership in New Delhi earlier this week.
09:37 (IST) May 28
Karnataka Congress leadership change speculation intensifies after Delhi meetings
Speculation over a possible leadership transition in Karnataka has intensified after the Congress government completed three years in office and crossed the halfway mark of its tenure.

Earlier this week, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar met senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi.

However, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal dismissed reports of a leadership change, saying the meetings were focused on upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections in Karnataka.
09:36 (IST) May 28
Watch: DK Sivakumar arrives at Siddaramaiah's residence for high-stakes breakfast meeting
09:35 (IST) May 28
Watch: Karnataka deputy CM DK Sivakumar leaves for CM Siddaramaiah's breakfast meeting
09:33 (IST) May 28
‘Some changes are on the cards’: Siddaramaiah’s legal advisor amid Karnataka leadership buzz
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s legal advisor AS Ponnanna hinted at a possible leadership change amid growing speculation over a possible leadership change in the Congress government in the state.

“There are some changes on the cards. We cannot deny it. We cannot shut our eyes to that. But what transpires, how it transpires, what is going to happen, what is the nature of the change, we have to wait and watch,” Ponnanna told reporters.
09:28 (IST) May 28
From rivals to transition partners: Siddaramaiah-DKS power struggle reaches turning point
The possible leadership transition marks the culmination of a long-running power struggle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar that began immediately after the Congress’s 2023 Karnataka assembly victory.

Shivakumar, who played a key organisational role in the election campaign, had strongly staked claim to the chief minister’s post after the results. The Congress eventually chose Siddaramaiah as CM while appointing Shivakumar as deputy chief minister and state party president. Reports at the time suggested a compromise based on a rotational chief minister formula, though the party never officially confirmed it.

Over the past three years, supporters of Shivakumar repeatedly demanded implementation of the arrangement. The current developments indicate that the Congress high command may now be moving towards honouring that understanding while simultaneously trying to preserve party unity and prevent internal rebellion.
09:17 (IST) May 28
Watch: Congress leaders arrive at Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's residence
09:12 (IST) May 28
Watch: Karnataka leaders begin arriving at CM Siddaramaiah's residence ahead of high stakes breakfast meeting
09:11 (IST) May 28
Karnataka Congress leaders gather at CM Siddaramaiah’s residence for breakfast meeting
Senior Karnataka Congress leaders began arriving at chief minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru on Thursday for a breakfast meeting convened by the CM.

The meeting comes amid indications of a major political transition in the state, with Siddaramaiah expected to resign, potentially paving the way for deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar to take over as the next chief minister. The development follows months of speculation over a reported rotational chief minister formula within the ruling Congress government and marathon discussions between Karnataka leaders and the party high command in Delhi.
09:01 (IST) May 28
Karnataka CM news: DK Shivakumar poised for top post after years of Congress power tussle
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar appears set to finally secure Karnataka’s top post after years of political negotiations and speculation surrounding a reported rotational chief minister formula within the Congress. Shivakumar’s supporters have long insisted that he was promised the CM’s chair after two-and-a-half years when the Congress formed the government in 2023.

The latest developments followed sustained pressure from the Shivakumar camp during discussions with the Congress high command in Delhi. Although the party has not officially confirmed a leadership change, Shivakumar is expected to attend Siddaramaiah’s breakfast meeting before the chief minister meets the governor. Congress insiders say the transition is being managed carefully to avoid internal rebellion and maintain stability in the state government. The development has intensified political activity in Bengaluru, with MLAs and ministers closely watching the next steps of the Congress leadership.
08:42 (IST) May 28
Amid intensifying speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar’s push for the chief minister’s post reportedly gained momentum after intervention from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, sources told TOI. Shivakumar is learnt to have struggled in recent months to directly convince Rahul Gandhi over the reported rotational chief minister arrangement under which he was expected to take over midway through the Congress government’s tenure. Sources said Shivakumar subsequently reached out to Priyanka Gandhi, who then persuaded Rahul Gandhi and Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi to consider his claim to the top post.

Senior Congress MLA RV Deshpande said Siddaramaiah had already informed colleagues about his decision even as several ministers and legislators urged him not to resign. Sources added that while Rahul Gandhi reportedly offered Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha berth and a larger national role, the 77-year-old leader is reluctant to shift to Delhi politics. Before stepping down, Siddaramaiah is expected to address the media after a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues, which Shivakumar is also expected to attend.

The Congress leadership transition gathered pace after marathon discussions in Delhi involving Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi’s close aides and senior Karnataka leaders. Siddaramaiah remained guarded over the developments, saying only, “I will speak everything tomorrow,” after paying floral tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru at Vidhana Soudha. State home minister G. Parameshwara and PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi said clarity would emerge only after an official announcement.
11 More Updates
After months of political uncertainty and intense behind-the-scenes negotiations within the Congress, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah resigned on Thursday, signalling a major leadership transition in the state and paving the way for his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to assume the top post.

Prabhu Shankar, special secretary to the governor, confirmed receipt of the resignation, though formal acceptance is pending as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is currently in Madhya Pradesh.

The resignation came shortly after Siddaramaiah reportedly informed cabinet colleagues during a breakfast meeting at his residence. The Karnataka Congress later shared photographs highlighting the cordial relationship between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, captioned: “Unity is our strength!” In several images, Shivakumar was seen seeking Siddaramaiah’s blessings.

The leadership transition gained momentum after Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala in the national capital. Sources said Rahul Gandhi urged Siddaramaiah to step aside and consider taking up a larger national role within the Congress.

The Congress leadership is simultaneously trying to avoid a “Rajasthan-like crisis” by managing the transition carefully and preventing factional unrest. While Shivakumar’s supporters are demanding that the reported power-sharing agreement be honoured, Siddaramaiah loyalists continue to highlight his support among MLAs and his political significance as a prominent OBC leader. The Congress has reportedly offered Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha berth and a national role to ensure a smoother transition.

The unfolding leadership change has also intensified attacks from the BJP, with opposition leaders accusing the Congress government of administrative paralysis due to the prolonged “chair fight” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. The coming days are expected to determine whether the Congress can manage the transition peacefully or whether internal tensions will escalate further.