Karnataka : Governor Accepts Siddaramaiah’s Resignation; DK Shivakumar Set to Become Next Chief Minister

Bengaluru: In a significant development that marks the end of one era and the beginning of another in Karnataka politics, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday formally accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The veteran Congress leader will continue as caretaker Chief Minister until his successor is officially appointed and sworn in.

Siddaramaiah, who had submitted his one-line resignation to the Governor’s special secretary on Thursday in the absence of the Governor, had long been speculated to step down following directions from the Congress high command. The move paves the way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take over the reins of the state government.

The leadership change comes after months of internal deliberations within the Congress party. Siddaramaiah, who became Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister earlier this year by surpassing the record of former leader D. Devaraj Urs, announced his decision during a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues on Thursday. He made it clear that he was stepping down voluntarily at the behest of the party high command and expressed full support for Shivakumar as his successor.

“I have resigned voluntarily. When the high command asks, I will step down,” Siddaramaiah told reporters after submitting his resignation. He emphasized party unity, stating that the Congress in Karnataka remains “one family” despite past differences.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are currently in Delhi to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to finalize the transition process, including the formation of the new cabinet.

D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, has been a key figure in the state unit. Known as the party’s troubleshooter with strong organizational skills and proximity to the Gandhi family, his elevation fulfills a long-standing ambition. The power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had been a subject of intense speculation and occasional friction over the past three years.

Party insiders describe the transition as a strategic move to ensure stability ahead of upcoming local body elections and to consolidate Congress’s position in the state.

The new Chief Minister will inherit a government that has implemented several ambitious welfare schemes, including the popular ‘Guarantee’ programs. However, critics have pointed to emerging fiscal challenges, including a reported shift toward a revenue deficit. Maintaining developmental momentum while addressing economic concerns will be among the immediate priorities.

Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have reacted sharply. State BJP leaders have accused the Congress of internal instability and questioned the timing of the change, linking it to broader national political calculations.

Siddaramaiah, reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings in a small village to leading the state twice, has indicated he will remain active in politics and continue to serve the party at the state level.

The formal swearing-in of D.K. Shivakumar as Chief Minister is expected in the coming days once the Congress completes internal formalities, including the election of the new legislature party leader. The development is being closely watched across the country as it reflects the Congress high command’s ability to manage a delicate leadership transition in one of its key states.