Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation Thursday morning, confirming that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will be the next chief minister [1, 2].

The transition marks a significant shift in the state's power structure, ending a period of leadership tension within the Congress party. The move follows a direct request from the Congress high command for Siddaramaiah to step down as part of a planned transition [1, 3].

Siddaramaiah, who is 77 years old [4], shared the news during a breakfast meeting held at his residence in Bengaluru [1, 2]. The gathering included members of the cabinet, and senior party officials.

Reports regarding the exact timing of the official handover vary slightly. Some sources said Siddaramaiah will visit Lok Bhavan at 2:30 p.m. to tender his resignation [1], while others said he will step down at 3 p.m. [2, 4].

This leadership change settles a long-standing power struggle between the two leaders. DK Shivakumar has served as the deputy chief minister and is now poised to take full control of the state administration [3].

Siddaramaiah said the transition was coordinated with the party leadership. The outgoing chief minister's decision to step aside allows the party to implement a fresh strategic direction for the state government [1, 3].

“DK Shivakumar will be the next chief minister”

This transition represents a strategic realignment by the Congress party to resolve internal friction between its two most prominent leaders in Karnataka. By elevating DK Shivakumar, the party high command is moving toward a new leadership era, potentially aimed at consolidating power and refreshing the state's administrative approach ahead of future electoral cycles.