Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Thursday, and Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot accepted the resignation, clearing the way for a leadership transition in the state. Preparations have intensified for senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar to take oath as the next Chief Minister, with political sources indicating that the swearing-in may take place on June 1 or June 3.
The development follows months of internal leadership discussions within the Congress party that had remained at the centre of political attention in Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor’s Secretariat on Thursday while Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot was not in Bengaluru. After returning to the state capital, the Governor formally accepted the resignation. Speaking to the media after resigning, Siddaramaiah said he stepped down in accordance with directions from the party high command. He stated that the Governor would accept the resignation following constitutional procedure and said he had full confidence in the process.
Referring to his political career, Siddaramaiah said he had always prioritised public service and had never pursued politics for office or personal wealth. He described his 50-year political career as an “open book”.
Following the acceptance of Siddaramaiah’s resignation, D K Shivakumar is expected to become the next Chief Minister. According to party sources, the Congress leadership may soon convene a formal meeting of the legislature party, after which Shivakumar could be elected as its leader.
D K Shivakumar has long been considered a leading contender for the Chief Minister’s post. After the Congress victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections, internal differences over leadership had emerged within the party. At the time, the party high command decided to appoint Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister and Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister. Discussions on a leadership transition had intensified in recent months, and the Congress has now decided on a change in leadership to maintain political balance.
To address the political uncertainty in Karnataka, the Congress leadership recently held a meeting in New Delhi attended by Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar, Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala and several senior leaders. During the meeting, it was conveyed that the decision of the party leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, would be final and universally accepted. The leadership transition process accelerated following the meeting.
Sources said discussions during the meeting included not only the Chief Minister’s post but also Rajya Sabha candidates, Legislative Council (MLC) appointments and a possible cabinet reshuffle.
According to Congress sources, the new government may focus on maintaining social and regional balance. As part of this approach, the possibility of appointing four Deputy Chief Ministers is being considered to provide representation to different communities and regions. Some ministers from the Siddaramaiah cabinet may also not be included in the new cabinet.
Karnataka is considered the Congress party’s best state in southern India. The party leadership has sought to avoid prolonged internal disputes and is focusing on maintaining stability and organisational unity in the state in view of upcoming Lok Sabha and local elections.
