Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will resign from his position at 3 p.m. [1] on May 28, 2026 [2].
The leadership change marks a significant shift in the state's governance and follows internal party pressure. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is expected to take over as the new chief minister, with an oath ceremony potentially scheduled for June 1, 2026 [3].
Karnataka Minister H.K. Patil confirmed the timeline for the transition. "Siddaramaiah will resign at 3 pm, DK Shivakumar to be the new CM," Patil said [1]. The announcement follows a breakfast meeting between the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues in Bengaluru at Lok Bhavan [4].
The move comes after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi requested that Siddaramaiah step down. "I have asked Siddaramaiah to step down for the good of the party," Gandhi said [5]. This request placed the chief minister under political pressure to facilitate a leadership transition within the party.
Siddaramaiah has also addressed reports regarding his future political roles. He said that he turned down an offer to join the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's parliament, in order to remain a member of the legislative assembly in Karnataka. "I have refused the Rajya Sabha offer to serve as MLA in Karnataka," Siddaramaiah said [6].
Despite the announced resignation, some loyalists and sympathizers have reportedly urged the chief minister to continue in his role [5]. However, multiple reports indicate that the decision to transition power to Shivakumar is finalized following the cabinet discussions held this morning [4].
“"Siddaramaiah will resign at 3 pm, DK Shivakumar to be the new CM."”
The transition of power from Siddaramaiah to D.K. Shivakumar suggests a strategic realignment within the Karnataka Congress party. By refusing a Rajya Sabha seat to remain an MLA, Siddaramaiah maintains his direct connection to the state's legislative assembly, while the prompt intervention by Rahul Gandhi indicates a desire for a leadership refresh to stabilize the party's regional influence.
