Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submits his resignation letter to Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to the Governor of Karnataka, at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on Thursday (May 28). Also seen are Siddaramaiah's Cabinet colleagues and others. Photo: Lok Bhavan
LIVE! Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka CM; says 'humbly' declined RS seat
DK Shivakumar is set to become the new chief minister of Karnataka. Siddaramaiah served as CM for more than 8 years over two terms
Siddaramaiah on Thursday afternoon (May 28) resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister, paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to be elevated.
He submitted his resignation at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. However, he could not hand over the resignation letter to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is not in town due to his prior engagements, and has travelled to Mumbai.
Siddaramaiah handed over the resignation letter to Special Secretary to the Governor, R Prabhu Shankar.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah informed Cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down during a breakfast meeting at his residence.
Shivakumar and other Cabinet colleagues attended the breakfast meeting.
In a picture shared by the Chief Minister's Office, Siddaramaiah is seen hugging an emotional Shivakumar. In another picture, CM hopeful Shivakumar is seen touching the feet of Siddaramaiah and taking his blessings.
Minister breaks down
Labour Minister Santosh Lad turned emotional and broke down when the reporters questioned him about the developments in the meeting.
Excise Minister RB Timmapur said a few ministers turned emotional at the meeting when the CM announced his decision to step down.
Minister of Science and Technology N S Boseraju said the discussions also reflected on the government's performance over the last three years and preparations for the future.
"Everybody joined today. So everybody spoke well. Chief Minister and Deputy CM said how they have managed the government and the finances for the last three years. They urged us to maintain it in the same way for the remaining two years and said that everybody should work hard," he told reporters.
Scroll below for Live updates.
Live Updates
- 28 May 2026 3:25 PM IST
Siddaramaiah: Am follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Basavanna, Ambedkar
I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Basavanna, BR Ambedkar, says Siddaramaiah.
- 28 May 2026 3:23 PM IST
I became a politician by accident: Siddaramaiah
"I came to politics by accident. Nobody in my family was a politician," Siddaramaiah said.
- 28 May 2026 3:19 PM IST
Siddaramaiah thanks Sonia, Rahul, Kharge
"Constitution is our religion. Voters are my fans, who are our Gods. I got an opportunity to serve Karnataka's 7-crore-plus population. I served as CM for two terms," Siddaramaiah said.
"I thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge for giving me an opportunity," he added.
- 28 May 2026 3:16 PM IST
We have absolute majority: Siddaramaiah
"Our party has 135 plus one seats. Even, the Independents have supported our government. So, we have absolute majority. As per the Consitution, new CM should be given the opportunity," Siddaramaiah said.
- 28 May 2026 3:14 PM IST
Confident that Governor will accept my resignation: Siddaramaiah
"I have confidence that Governor will accept my resignation after he returns. As per the Constitution, he has to accept," Siddaramaiah said.
- 28 May 2026 3:14 PM IST
Was told by high command to resign: Siddaramaiah
"I had told earlier that whenever the high command asks me to resign, I would do. Two days back, I was told to resign by the high command," says Siddaramaiah.
- 28 May 2026 3:12 PM IST
Sidddaramaiah: I have submitted my resignation letter at Lok Bhavan
"I have submitted my resignation letter at Lok Bhavan. Governor is not in Bengaluru. I have submitted the letter to his office (Lok Bhavan). The Governor will return to Bengaluru tonight," says Siddaramaiah.
- 28 May 2026 3:10 PM IST
Siddaramaiah to address media shortly
Siddaramaiah, after resigning as CM, is set to address the media in Bengaluru.
- 28 May 2026 3:09 PM IST
'Only Governor can accept Siddaramaiah's resignation'
Prabhu Shankar, Special Secretary to Karnataka Governor, says, "I have received the resignation of Siddaramaiah (as the CM), but only the Governor can accept it after he returns."
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot left for his residence in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh, earlier today.
- 28 May 2026 3:08 PM IST
Siddaramaiah supporters protest his decision to step down; emotional scenes outside residence
Supporters of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday staged protests in several parts of Karnataka against his decision to step down from the post.
Emotional scenes were witnessed outside his official residence, Kaveri, in Bengaluru, where a large number of supporters gathered and surrounded him, urging him not to resign.
Siddaramaiah was seen trying to console them.
As he was about to leave for Lok Bhavan to submit his resignation, emotions ran high, with some supporters attempting to block his vehicle to prevent him from leaving.
In Shivamogga city, supporters staged a protest at Shivappa Nayaka Circle. Members of the Kuruba community largely led the protest.
Expressing displeasure over Siddaramaiah’s decision to resign, protesters also burnt tyres and raised slogans in support of the chief minister. They demanded that Siddaramaiah continue in office.
In Yadgir, an ardent supporter of Siddaramaiah, identified as Rajkumar Ganeer, staged a silent protest near Subhash Chandra Circle, expressing anguish over the chief minister’s resignation.
Karnataka Law Minister H K Patil said Siddaramaiah informed him and other ministers of his decision to step down and also disclosed that Deputy CM D K Shivakumar will be his successor.
The party brass has given instructions for elevating Shivakumar as the CM, and appropriate procedural steps will be initiated in this regard at the legislature party meeting, he added.
