CM Siddaramaiah steps down, paves way for DK Shivakumar in Karnataka

The long-standing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress has reached a definitive conclusion as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has agreed to resign from his post. This decision follows a series of high-stakes meetings in Delhi, where the Congress high command, led by Rahul Gandhi, emphasized the necessity of honoring the 2023 power-sharing agreement. Although Siddaramaiah initially sought more time to present the state's caste census report, the party leadership remained firm on an immediate transition to maintain political credibility and organizational discipline.

Rahul Gandhi reportedly informed Siddaramaiah during closed-door sessions that his tenure had already exceeded the stipulated term agreed upon after the party's landslide victory in 2023. Despite arguing that no formal written agreement existed for a 2025 exit, Siddaramaiah ultimately chose to follow the high command's directive, stating to his associates that he would step down the moment Rahul Gandhi asked. Senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi are also said to be in favor of this transition to Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

On the morning of May 28, 2026, the political atmosphere in Bengaluru remained tense as Siddaramaiah hosted a farewell breakfast for his cabinet ministers. Home Minister G. Parameshwara hinted that the Chief Minister intends to thank his colleagues for their cooperation before heading to the Governor’s residence to submit his formal resignation later today. To ensure a smooth exit, the high command is reportedly considering a national role for Siddaramaiah, possibly involving a nomination to the Rajya Sabha.