Siddaramaiah Resigns as Karnataka Chief Minister After Second Term
Siddaramaiah, the 75-year-old Congress leader, resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 28, 2026, ending his second non-consecutive term (2023-2026). He previously served a full term from 2013 to 2018, becoming the state's longest-serving chief minister. Born into a disadvantaged Kuruba family, his tenure was marked by pro-poor welfare schemes, internal party power struggles with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and a legacy of inclusive governance. His resignation paves the way for a new chief minister.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Will D.K. Shivakumar’s Cabinet strike the right balance? | Decode Karnataka
After months of speculation and political maneuvering, Siddaramaiah stepped down as Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 28, 2026, handing over leadership to his deputy D.K. Shivakumar. The article analyzes what this change of guard means for the Congress party in Karnataka, the key challenges facing incoming CM Shivakumar, and the future role of Siddaramaiah. It highlights the political negotiations, multiple trips to Delhi, and diplomatic meetings that preceded the transition. The analysis focuses on cabinet balance and governance challenges ahead for the new administration.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar: A public bonhomie that never let up
The article describes the enduring public camaraderie between Karnataka Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar, despite underlying factional tensions. On May 28, 2026, Siddaramaiah resigned as Chief Minister, and Shivakumar was seen touching his feet and embracing him warmly. The two leaders had maintained a united front for over four years, often diffusing tensions by appearing together. Siddaramaiah had consistently stated that it was natural for his deputy to aspire to be Chief Minister. The transition of power, which was feared to be messy, proceeded smoothly, with Shivakumar set to take over as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah resigns, paving way for D.K. Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor's office on May 28, 2026, setting the stage for D.K. Shivakumar to become the new Chief Minister. In a press conference, Siddaramaiah reflected on his political journey, calling himself an 'accidental politician' from a non-political family. He thanked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for his opportunities. Siddaramaiah emphasized his commitment to social justice, citing the ideals of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar. He defended his government's guarantee schemes against opposition criticism, noting Karnataka's top per capita income and second-highest GST collections in India. He vowed to remain in active politics and continue fighting communal forces. The Governor was out of state at the time of resignation but was expected to accept it upon return.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.D.K. Shivakumar: Congress 'Rock' Set to Become Karnataka Chief Minister
D.K. Shivakumar, an eight-time MLA and senior Congress leader known as the party's crisis manager and chief strategist in South India, is set to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka following the resignation of Siddaramaiah. Born in 1962 into a modest Vokkaliga family, Shivakumar entered politics through student activism and built a formidable grassroots network in the Old Mysore region. He first won a legislative seat in 1989 and has remained electorally undefeated since. His political career is marked by a long-standing rivalry with former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's family, defeating Deve Gowda's son in 1999 and helping a Congress candidate defeat Deve Gowda himself in 2004. He gained national prominence by hosting Congress MLAs during political crises in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Known for his organizational skills, wealth, and Hindu cultural identity, Shivakumar is among India's wealthiest legislators.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Resigns, Vows to Remain in Active State Politics
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor's office on May 28, 2026, clearing the way for a change of guard in the state. In a press conference after resigning, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence the Governor would accept his resignation promptly. He thanked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for the opportunity to serve as CM. Reflecting on his career, he called himself an 'accidental politician' from a non-political family, tracing his journey from taluk panchayat member to two-time chief minister. He defended his government's record, citing the successful implementation of guarantee schemes costing over ₹1.4 lakh crore, and claimed Karnataka leads in per capita income and ranks second in GST collections despite opposition criticism. Siddaramaiah affirmed his commitment to the ideals of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar, and vowed to continue fighting communal forces in active state politics until his last breath.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah resigns but vows to remain in state politics
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor's office on May 28, 2026, paving the way for a change of guard. In a press conference, he reflected on his political journey, describing himself as an 'accidental politician' from a non-political family. He thanked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for the opportunity to serve. Siddaramaiah emphasized his commitment to social justice, citing the ideals of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar. He defended his government's record, noting that Karnataka leads in per capita income and ranks second in GST collections despite opposition claims that guarantee schemes would harm the economy. He accused Prime Minister Modi and the opposition of running a misinformation campaign. Siddaramaiah stated he will continue in active politics and fight communal forces until his last breath.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.D.K. Shivakumar Praises Siddaramaiah's Resilience and Social Justice Commitment
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar publicly praised outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 29, 2026, describing his political journey as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and commitment to social justice. The statement comes amid speculation that Shivakumar will succeed Siddaramaiah, who resigned on May 28. In a post on X, Shivakumar highlighted Siddaramaiah's rise from a humble village in Mysuru to leading Karnataka, and thanked him for his decades of public service. Shivakumar noted that Siddaramaiah had supported him since he became KPCC president in 2020, and called it a privilege to serve as his deputy. Siddaramaiah, the longest-serving CM of Karnataka, has been appointed caretaker CM until alternate arrangements are made. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted the resignation and dissolved the cabinet.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka Governor Accepts Siddaramaiah's Resignation; Shivakumar to Succeed as Chief Minister
On May 29, 2026, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation, dissolving the Council of Ministers. Siddaramaiah will remain caretaker CM until his successor, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is formally appointed. Siddaramaiah submitted a one-line resignation on May 28 in the Governor's absence. He is scheduled to meet Congress leadership to discuss government formation and the next Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president. The transition marks a significant political shift in the state.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka Governor accepts Siddaramaiah’s resignation; Shivakumar to succeed
On May 29, 2026, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation, dissolving the Council of Ministers. Siddaramaiah will remain caretaker chief minister until his successor, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is formally appointed. Siddaramaiah submitted a one-line resignation on May 28 to the Governor's special secretary, as Gehlot was away in Indore. Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Congress leadership to discuss government formation and the next president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. The Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held after the cabinet is finalized.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Why Siddaramaiah Resigned and D K Shivakumar Became Karnataka CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned on May 28, 2026, following a request from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, making way for D K Shivakumar to assume the top post. The transition was driven by three key factors: Siddaramaiah's age (he will be 80 by the 2028 assembly elections), the BJP's growing electoral footprint across India which makes retaining Karnataka crucial for Congress, and the need to honor an unwritten rotational pact negotiated by the party high command in 2023. Shivakumar, who served as Deputy CM and state Congress president, had been pressuring the leadership since November 2025. The party also considered that Siddaramaiah had declared he would not contest again, making him less effective as a campaigner against the BJP. The move contrasts with Congress's failure to enforce similar rotational agreements in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
The Indian ExpressSiddaramaiah Resigns as Karnataka CM, Says Constitution Is His Religion and Voters His 'Abhimani Devaru'
Congress leader Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 28, 2026, but stated he would remain active in state politics as an MLA and continue fighting communal forces. He declined a Rajya Sabha seat offered by the Congress high command, citing no interest in national politics. Using a phrase from late Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar, he said, 'The Constitution is my religion and the voters are my abhimani devaru (fan gods).' Reflecting on his two-decade Congress career, he thanked Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. He defended his government's welfare agenda, claiming 158 of 165 manifesto promises were fulfilled and five guarantee schemes were implemented within the first year. He rejected allegations of fiscal mismanagement, stating the fiscal deficit was below 3% of SGDP and outstanding liabilities at 24.94%, blaming the Centre for not releasing promised funds for the Upper Bhadra Project, GST compensation, and Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Resigns; DK Shivakumar Set to Succeed
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned on May 28, 2026, ending a nearly five-decade political career in the top post. He submitted his resignation to the Governor's office and announced he would remain active in politics, vowing to fight communal forces. Siddaramaiah thanked Congress leadership and blamed the Centre for the state's revenue deficit. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the Congress party's chief troubleshooter, is expected to be sworn in as the next Chief Minister in the coming days. The article also profiles Siddaramaiah's political journey as an AHINDA leader and draws parallels between his exit and that of Bihar's Nitish Kumar, signaling the decline of socialist politics in India.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Siddaramaiah steps down: Karnataka’s recent history of CM changes, and their effect on elections
Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 28, 2026, paving the way for his deputy D.K. Shivakumar to potentially take over. The decision ends a protracted leadership tussle and comes as assembly elections are due in 2028, with Siddaramaiah turning 80 by then. The article analyzes Karnataka's history of mid-term chief ministerial changes, noting that only three Congress CMs have served full five-year terms since 1956. It examines two key BJP examples: the 2011-2012 changes from B.S. Yediyurappa to D.V. Sadananda Gowda to Jagadish Shettar, which led to a Congress landslide in 2013; and the 2021 change from Yediyurappa to Basavaraj Bommai. The analysis suggests such party-led mid-term changes have often resulted in unfavorable election outcomes for the ruling party.
The Indian ExpressKarnataka CM Siddaramaiah Resigns, Says Congress High Command Will Pick Successor
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation on May 28, 2026, ending a protracted power-sharing dispute within the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, he stated he voluntarily resigned when asked by the party leadership and that the Congress Legislature Party would decide his successor. Siddaramaiah declined an offer to enter Rajya Sabha, saying he is not interested in national politics and wants to serve his constituency for the remaining two years of his term. He vowed to continue fighting communal forces. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is widely expected to replace him, as speculation had mounted since Siddaramaiah became the longest-serving CM in January. The resignation followed a breakfast meeting with cabinet colleagues, some of whom became emotional.
The Indian ExpressKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Submits Resignation to Governor
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor on May 28, 2026, expressing confidence that it would be accepted soon after the Governor returns to Lok Bhavan. He stated that it is the Governor's responsibility to accept the resignation and facilitate the appointment of the next chief minister. Siddaramaiah thanked former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and his party colleagues for the opportunity to serve as chief minister. He reflected on his rural background and political journey from panchayat member to minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, and two terms as chief minister (2013-18 and 2023-26). The resignation marks the end of his second term as Karnataka's chief minister.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.After years of ambition and intrigue, D K Shivakumar set to be Karnataka CM
D K Shivakumar, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader, is set to become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, replacing Siddaramaiah after two years of internal party maneuvering. The 64-year-old eight-time MLA and Vokkaliga leader is known as the party's chief troubleshooter, having managed crises like sheltering Congress MLAs during the 2017 Rajya Sabha elections and the 2000 Maharashtra no-confidence motion. His career has been shadowed by allegations of illegal mining and money laundering, including a 50-day stint in Tihar Jail following ED raids. Despite these controversies, his grassroots mobilization and organizational skills have made him a formidable and polarizing figure in Karnataka politics.
The Indian ExpressChief Ministers of Karnataka: Complete List and Tenure Details
The article reports on the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who stepped down after serving a total of eight years and 11 days across two non-consecutive terms (2013-2018 and 2023-2026). On January 7, 2026, he became the longest-serving chief minister in Karnataka's history, surpassing D. Devaraj Urs's record of seven years and 239 days. The article notes that since 1947, only three chief ministers—Nijalingappa, Devaraj Urs, and Siddaramaiah—have completed a full five-year term. Karnataka's politics has been marked by volatility, with President's Rule imposed six times. The piece includes a complete list of all chief ministers and their tenures, highlighting the state's political instability.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Tussle for the top spot in Karnataka: A timeline
The article reports that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped down on May 28, 2026, after a second term marked by internal power struggles with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and frequent interventions by the Congress high command. Siddaramaiah, a mass leader with strong rural ties, is noted as only the third Karnataka CM to complete a full five-year term and return for a second (non-consecutive) tenure, though this second term was truncated. The piece provides a timeline of his tenure from May 2023 to May 2026, highlighting controversies and dissidence. It also notes that since 1947, only three CMs have completed full terms: Nijalingappa, Devaraj Urs, and Siddaramaiah (first term). The state has seen President's Rule six times.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Siddaramaiah: A leader whose politics went beyond dominant castes
The article profiles Siddaramaiah, who resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 28, 2026, after a nearly five-decade political career. It highlights his two non-consecutive terms, during which he became the state's longest-serving Chief Minister, surpassing D. Devaraj Urs. Born in 1947 into the Kuruba community, Siddaramaiah rose without inherited political capital, serving under five Chief Ministers and presenting 17 state budgets. His tenure redefined Karnataka's social and welfare politics through inclusive governance and alliances. He was a nine-time MLA and held roles including Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. The analysis emphasizes his political reinventions and impact on Karnataka's political landscape.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Siddaramaiah Returns as Karnataka Chief Minister: An AHINDA Leader's New Innings
The article profiles Siddaramaiah, the 75-year-old Congress leader who was sworn in for a second term as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 27, 2026, after a full term from 2013 to 2018. Born into a disadvantaged Kuruba (OBC) family, he overcame childhood poverty and cattle grazing to earn a B.Sc. and law degree. Influenced by socialist Rammanohar Lohia, his political career began in the 1970s with the Janata Party and later the Janata Dal, before joining Congress in 2006 after a falling out with JD(S) patriarch H.D. Deve Gowda. Known for pro-poor welfare schemes (often called 'freebies'), he announced the Congress manifesto's 'guarantees' in his first cabinet meeting. His politics blend welfarism, secularism, and linguistic pride, including a demand for an official state flag. He faces challenges from within the party and from the opposition BJP.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.