Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to resign and has indicated support for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to succeed him [1].
This transition comes as the state prepares for the assembly elections scheduled for May 2028 [1]. A change in leadership at this stage allows the party to reorganize its strategy and consolidate power under a new chief minister well before the next electoral cycle [1, 2].
The process began Thursday with a key breakfast meeting between the two leaders at Siddaramaiah’s official residence in Bengaluru [1, 3]. Following these discussions, which reportedly followed consultations with the Congress high command in Delhi, Siddaramaiah said he backs Shivakumar [1, 2].
Siddaramaiah, who is 77 [3], is scheduled to meet with Governor Thawarchand Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan to formalize the transition [1, 3]. While an official naming has not yet been finalized by the party, a major announcement regarding the leadership change is expected after 3 p.m. [2, 4].
The move follows a period of internal party deliberation. The transition is intended to ensure a smooth handover of power within the state government, a move coordinated with party leadership in the national capital [1, 2].
Officials in Bengaluru are awaiting the formal resignation and the subsequent appointment of the new chief minister. The transition marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape as the administration pivots toward the 2028 goals [1, 2].
“Siddaramaiah is expected to resign and has indicated support for DK Shivakumar to succeed him”
The anticipated shift from Siddaramaiah to DK Shivakumar suggests a strategic move by the Congress party to refresh its leadership in Karnataka. By initiating this change in May 2026, the party provides the new chief minister nearly two years to establish a track record and build a campaign platform before the May 2028 elections.
