Amid intense political speculation and weeks of internal discussions within the ruling Congress party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly announced his resignation, stating that he “did whatever the high command asked” him to do. The dramatic development is being seen as the culmination of a prolonged power-sharing tussle within the Karnataka Congress, with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar now emerging as the frontrunner to take over the top post.
According to multiple reports, Siddaramaiah informed close cabinet colleagues during a breakfast meeting at his official residence in Bengaluru that he would step down in line with directions from the Congress leadership. The move reportedly follows consultations with the party high command in New Delhi, including senior leaders of the Indian National Congress.
Sources indicate that Siddaramaiah maintained he had fulfilled his responsibilities as chief minister and respected the wishes of the party leadership. Reports quoting party insiders suggest he conveyed that he had “done whatever the high command asked me to do,” signaling his willingness to abide by the leadership’s final decision on Karnataka’s political future.
The resignation marks a major turning point in Karnataka politics. Since the Congress returned to power in 2023, speculation persisted over an alleged rotational chief ministership arrangement between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar. While the Congress leadership never officially confirmed such an agreement, Shivakumar’s supporters repeatedly claimed that a transition would take place midway through the government’s term.
Political observers note that Siddaramaiah remained one of the most influential leaders in the state, particularly among the AHINDA social coalition comprising minorities, backward classes, and Dalits. His supporters had argued that changing leadership could affect governance stability and electoral equations in the state. However, pressure within the party reportedly intensified over recent weeks as Shivakumar’s camp pushed harder for a leadership transition.
As news of the resignation spread, celebrations reportedly broke out among supporters of D.K. Shivakumar outside his residence in Bengaluru. Several Congress MLAs and ministers were seen openly welcoming the expected leadership change. Congress MLA Ashok K. Pattan had earlier hinted that Siddaramaiah would resign after 3 PM on Thursday, adding fuel to speculation throughout the day.
The Congress leadership, however, had initially attempted to downplay reports of an imminent change. Senior party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala had publicly stated that no final decision had been announced and urged the media not to speculate. Despite these denials, behind-the-scenes negotiations appeared to continue between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps.
If D.K. Shivakumar is formally chosen as the next chief minister, it would mark the first time the influential Vokkaliga leader assumes Karnataka’s top constitutional office after years of organizational and electoral work for the Congress in the state. Shivakumar played a crucial role in the party’s 2023 Assembly election victory and has long been viewed as one of the Congress party’s strongest strategists in southern India.
Meanwhile, political analysts believe the transition will test the Congress party’s unity ahead of future electoral battles. Maintaining balance between Siddaramaiah loyalists and Shivakumar supporters is expected to be a major challenge for the party high command. Reports suggest discussions are underway regarding cabinet restructuring and accommodating leaders from both factions to avoid internal unrest.
Siddaramaiah’s tenure as chief minister was marked by welfare-focused governance, implementation of Congress guarantee schemes, and efforts to consolidate backward-class politics in Karnataka. He also became one of the state’s longest-serving chief ministers during his second term in office.
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