Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on May 26, 2024 [1], following a directive from the Congress high command.
The leadership change follows prolonged internal power struggles within the party after the 2023 Assembly victory [2]. The transition marks a pivotal shift in the state's administration as the party seeks to resolve factional tensions.
Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor’s secretary at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru [1]. During a subsequent address to the media, he said that he was acting in accordance with the party's central leadership. The resignation follows reported meetings between party leaders in Delhi [1].
"I have obeyed the high command’s order and have submitted my resignation," Siddaramaiah said [1].
As part of the transition, Siddaramaiah said he refused a Rajya Sabha seat [1]. The Congress party is now positioning senior leader DK Shivakumar to succeed him as chief minister [2]. Shivakumar has long been viewed as a primary contender for the role since the party secured its mandate in the 2023 elections [2].
The resignation ends a period of speculation regarding the stability of the state government. While some reports earlier that day suggested the resignation was likely, the formal submission at Lok Bhavan confirmed the exit [1], [2].
“"I have obeyed the high command’s order and have submitted my resignation."”
This leadership transition reflects the central authority of the Congress high command over state-level appointments. By replacing Siddaramaiah with DK Shivakumar, the party is attempting to settle a long-standing internal rivalry that has persisted since the 2023 Assembly win, potentially stabilizing the government's legislative agenda.
