Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka chief minister on May 29, 2026 [1], and traveled to Delhi for meetings with senior party leadership.
The resignation signals a potential shift in power within the state's Congress government, as the party seeks to resolve internal leadership tensions.
Siddaramaiah met with D.K. Shivakumar (Congress) and other high-ranking officials during a meeting scheduled for nine am on Friday [1, 2]. The transition follows requests from the Congress leadership for Siddaramaiah to step down to facilitate a leadership change [2].
Reports on the nature of the departure vary. Some sources said the resignation was a selfless move intended to enable a smooth leadership transition [2]. Other reports said the move is rooted in internal conflict within the Karnataka Congress, including allegations that a colleague was prepared to join the BJP [3].
Speculation is growing that D.K. Shivakumar will assume the role of chief minister. Some reports indicate a potential oath-taking date of June 1, 2026 [4].
Shivakumar said that some members of the party do not agree to share power [3]. The current meetings in Delhi are intended to finalize the transition and ensure stability within the state government as it moves toward a new administration.
“Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka chief minister on May 29, 2026”
This leadership transition reflects the ongoing struggle for power-sharing and stability within the Karnataka Congress. While the party frames the change as a strategic transition, the contradictory reports of internal friction and potential defections to the BJP suggest a fragile political environment. The appointment of D.K. Shivakumar would mark a significant shift in the state's executive leadership and may alter the party's approach to governance in the region.
