Karnataka: Reports suggest that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has informed his cabinet colleagues about his decision to step down from the post. Sources said an official announcement regarding his resignation is expected shortly, while Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is likely to take over as the new Chief Minister of the state.
On Thursday, May 28, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar arrived at Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru for a breakfast meeting called by the Chief Minister. During the meeting, the two senior Congress leaders were seen warmly embracing each other. Shivakumar was also seen touching Siddaramaiah’s feet as a mark of respect.
Amid the meeting, reports emerged that Siddaramaiah formally announced his resignation before cabinet colleagues. Sources said the official confirmation could come soon. It is being reported that the 77-year-old veteran leader may officially submit his resignation to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at around 3 pm on Thursday.
According to News18, Siddaramaiah informed the state cabinet about his decision to resign from the top post. During the meeting, he reportedly told ministers that he would step down following directions from the party high command, indicating the beginning of a major leadership change within the Congress government in Karnataka.
However, officials at Raj Bhavan said Siddaramaiah has not yet sought an appointment with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. This statement came a day after top sources in the Chief Minister’s Office had reportedly claimed that Siddaramaiah had requested time to meet the Governor on Thursday.
Governor Not in Karnataka
Raj Bhavan officials said Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot is currently in his hometown Indore in Madhya Pradesh. When asked whether the Chief Minister had sought an appointment with the Governor, a senior Raj Bhavan official said, “The Governor is not here. There is no such information. No message or communication has been received so far.”
Officials added that Siddaramaiah would be able to meet the Governor only after his return. When asked whether the Chief Minister could submit his resignation to the Raj Bhavan Secretary instead, the official said he could do so if he wished.
Responding to a question on whether that would be considered valid, the official told PTI, “Yes. When the Governor returns, he will confirm it. As per procedure, the Governor may also ask him to personally come and submit the resignation.”
Karnataka CM and Deputy CM, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, respectively, share a hug at the CM residence in Bengaluru at the breakfast meeting. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also touched the feet of CM Siddaramaiah.
(Pics: CMO Karnataka) pic.twitter.com/qIATmAwj8a
— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2026
Siddaramaiah Hugs Shivakumar During Meeting
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hosted a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues at his official residence on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister and strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post, D.K. Shivakumar, along with several ministers, attended the gathering.
Photographs released by the Chief Minister’s Office showed Siddaramaiah embracing Shivakumar, while another image captured Shivakumar touching the Chief Minister’s feet and seeking his blessings.
During the breakfast meeting, Siddaramaiah reportedly told ministers that the final decision on his successor would be taken by the party leadership. He is said to have told cabinet colleagues, “I am resigning on the instructions of the high command. The high command will decide the next Chief Minister.”
The senior Congress leader also assured complete support to whoever succeeds him. “Whoever is chosen as the next Chief Minister will have my full cooperation,” he reportedly said.
Sources believe an announcement regarding D.K. Shivakumar’s name could be made soon.
