Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Resigns, Party Poised to Appoint Deputy DK Shivakumar

On 28 May, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah handed in his resignation at the state secretariat after receiving a directive from the Congress high command. He told reporters, “I have submitted my resignation to the Governor’s office,” noting that the Governor was away and would return later that night. The move clears the way for the party’s pre‑arranged succession plan, which calls for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to assume the post for the remainder of the term.

Congress leaders in Delhi, including senior figures, have met with Siddaramaiah and discussed a possible national role or a Rajya Sabha seat for him, while emphasizing the need to avoid a split within the state unit. The party is weighing the political calculus: Siddaramaiah’s strong hold on OBC, Dalit and minority voters versus Shivakumar’s support among Vokkaliga communities and his control of party organization and finances. Internal debates continue over the timing and formal announcement, but a meeting on the morning of 28 May involving Shivakumar and other senior ministers signalled that the transition is imminent.