LIVE! Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka CM; says 'humbly' declined RS seat

Siddaramaiah’s resignation letter submitted to Raj Bhavan: Report

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation letter was handed over to Pankaj Kumar Mehta, Private Secretary to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, as Karnataka continued to witness rapid political developments surrounding the leadership transition, reported India Today.

DK Shivakumar supporters celebrate amid CM speculation

As speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka gathered pace, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar assembled outside his residence and celebrated what they believed could be his elevation to the Chief Minister’s post. Party workers distributed sweets, raised slogans in his favour and expressed confidence that Shivakumar would soon take charge of the state government.

“Heartiest congratulations to D.K. Shivakumar, as well as all Congress leaders in Karnataka. This is a good day. DK Shivakumar is the CM 100%,” one supporter said during the celebrations.

Another supporter praised Shivakumar’s long association with the Congress, saying he had “sacrificed his life for Congress.”

The celebrations came amid heightened political activity in Bengaluru after Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had convened a breakfast meeting with ministers and senior leaders before an expected resignation. Reports have suggested that Siddaramaiah could step down, potentially paving the way for Shivakumar to assume the top post, although the Congress has not officially confirmed any leadership transition.

Karnataka Congress pushes unity message amid CM buzz

Amid intense speculation over a possible leadership transition in Karnataka, the state Congress unit on Thursday posted a message stressing unity and commitment to public service, in what is being viewed as an attempt to project stability within the party.

“That day, this day, forever... Unity is our strength! Public service is our eternal commitment!” the Karnataka Congress said in a post on X.

The message comes as political discussions around Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s future and a possible power-sharing arrangement with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar continue to dominate the state’s political landscape. Media reports in recent days have pointed to growing buzz within political circles over a potential leadership change, though the Congress leadership has not officially confirmed any transition.

The Congress has repeatedly maintained that the government remains stable and focused on governance, even as the BJP sharpens its attack over the issue and accuses the ruling party of internal power struggles.

Watch: Karnataka Governor Gehlot reaches his residence in Madhya Pradesh

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot arrives at his residence in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday.

Vijayendra targets Congress amid Karnataka CM buzz

Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra on Thursday intensified the Opposition’s attack on the ruling Congress amid speculation over a possible leadership transition in the state. Speaking to ANI, Vijayendra claimed the Congress high command had already made up its mind on replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“Congress high command has already decided to change the leadership in Karnataka,” he said, adding that Siddaramaiah was “expected to resign today.”

The BJP leader argued that a change in leadership would not solve what he described as deep financial and administrative problems under the Congress government. “Karnataka is already in a financial distress. There is no development,” Vijayendra alleged, while also claiming farmers, unemployed youth and several sections of society were dissatisfied with the government.

Targeting the Congress welfare model, he said the party believed “only because of the guarantee they will survive.” Vijayendra further maintained that neither Siddaramaiah nor any successor would be able to protect Karnataka’s interests and called for fresh Assembly elections.

Siddaramaiah reviews fiscal strain with cabinet colleagues

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is learnt to have briefed cabinet ministers on the financial strain faced by the Karnataka government during a meeting with colleagues, according to media reports. He reportedly reviewed the administration’s handling of revenue pressures over the last three years and defended the government’s economic management amid growing political speculation.

The reports further stated that Siddaramaiah used the discussion to underline the rollout of the Congress government’s flagship guarantee schemes, presenting them as a major welfare achievement despite fiscal constraints. He is also believed to have explained the challenges involved in balancing welfare spending with administrative and developmental commitments.

The meeting comes at a politically sensitive moment, with conversations around leadership and governance continuing to dominate the state’s political landscape.

Bommai blames Congress infighting for Karnataka crisis

Amid renewed speculation over Karnataka’s leadership tussle, BJP MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj S. Bommai claimed Siddaramaiah’s resignation had long been anticipated under an alleged power-sharing arrangement within the Congress. “From day one the date was fixed for period sharing between Siddaramaiah and D. K. Shivakumar,” Bommai said, adding that Shivakumar had repeatedly signalled he would “take over after 50% of the term.”

Bommai alleged the rivalry between the two senior Congress leaders had weakened governance over the past three years. “Siddaramaiah did not have a period of peaceful governance,” he said, accusing the government of financial mismanagement and administrative failure.

He further claimed Karnataka’s debt had “increased four times” under the Congress government and argued that development had stalled. “Karnataka has been pushed back nearly 20 years because of the misrule of Congress,” Bommai said, blaming persistent infighting for what he described as a collapse in governance.

Siddaramaiah told Cabinet that he will step down as CM: Report

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told ministers at a breakfast meeting that he intended to resign after lunch. Sources indicated the process is expected to move forward even though Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is currently out of Bengaluru, reported India Today, quoting sources.

Siddaramaiah held breakfast meet before resignation: Parameshwara

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had called the breakfast meeting to thank all ministers before submitting his resignation.

CM Siddaramaiah hasn't sought time to meet Guv yet, says Lok Bhavan official

Amid strong speculations that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will tender his resignation to pave the way for the Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the reins of Karnataka, Lok Bhavan officials said on Thursday that the former has not yet sought time to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

This comes a day after top sources in the chief minister’s office on Wednesday said Siddaramaiah has sought time to meet Gehlot today.

Lok Bhavan officials said that Gehlot is in his home town, Indore, in Madhya Pradesh. When asked whether the chief minister has sought time to meet Gehlot, a top Lok Bhavan official said, "His Excellency is not here. There is no such information. As of now, there is no such message or information".

According to him, once the Governor arrives, Siddaramaiah will have to meet him. To a question whether the chief minister can hand over the resignation to the Lok Bhavan secretary, the official said Siddaramaiah can do that, if he wishes. 

When asked whether it is as valid as handing it over to the Governor, he said, "Yes. Then, when His Excellency arrives, he will confirm it. His Excellency may again ask him (Siddaramaiah) to come and submit it in person, depending on the procedure".