BENGALURU: In a major political transition, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Thursday, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to assume the top position. The development, long speculated amid internal Congress dynamics, marks the end of Siddaramaiah’s second term as Chief Minister after nearly three years in office.

Siddaramaiah, now 77, formally submitted his resignation letter to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, at Lok Bhavan this afternoon, as the Governor was away on a private visit. Earlier in the day, he hosted a breakfast meeting at his official residence and informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was present at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had directed him to step down two days ago. “I have said and maintained that if the high command asks me to resign, I shall resign. Accordingly, I have resigned,” he stated. He thanked Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi for the opportunity to serve as Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister.

The leadership change comes after months of reported tension between the two senior Congress leaders. Sources indicate the party high command opted for a smooth transition to maintain unity ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Shivakumar, 64, widely regarded as the party’s organisational strongman and a key troubleshooter, is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister in the coming days. Reports suggest the new cabinet may include two to three deputy chief ministers to balance caste and regional equations.

Siddaramaiah, who was CM of the state for eight years and eight days, spread across two non-continuous terms, is a veteran leader known for his pro-poor policies and Ahinda (Backwards Classes, Minorities, and Dalits) politics, and rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in Karnataka politics. His government implemented several welfare schemes, including the popular Gruha Jyothi and Anna Bhagya programmes.

Party leaders described the transition as smooth and cordial. Shivakumar, who touched Siddaramaiah’s feet during the morning meeting, emphasised unity within the party. Congress observers believe the move reflects the high command’s strategy to project a fresh face while retaining experienced leadership.

The resignation brings to a close a prolonged power-sharing arrangement between the two leaders since the Congress came to power in 2023. With Shivakumar at the helm, attention will now shift to cabinet formation and the government’s priorities for the remaining term.