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.
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Live Updates
- 28 May 2026 10:34 AM IST
CM Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar share hug at breakfast meeting
Bonhomie was on display at the CM residence in Bengaluru as Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar shared a warm hug during a breakfast meeting. Shivakumar was also seen touching Siddaramaiah’s feet.
- 28 May 2026 10:20 AM IST
Siddaramaiah hosts breakfast for cabinet colleagues, amid buzz over his exit as CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is widely expected to step down, hosted a breakfast for his cabinet colleagues at his official residence in Bengaluru on Thursday. His current deputy and possible successor, D K Shivakumar and other cabinet colleagues attended the breakfast meeting.
It is being speculated that Siddaramaiah will announce his stepping down from the CM post to make way for Shivakumar, possibly at the breakfast meeting.
The CM reportedly sought the Governor's appointment after the party high command apparently asked him to make way for a leadership change in the state. He also said he will speak on the matter on Thursday.
Though the 77-year-old veteran was likely to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot later today to apparently tender his resignation, Lok Bhavan sources said the Governor is not in the city; he has left for Indore for personal reasons.
As the political heat rises in the southern state in anticipation of a new CM, AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, on Wednesday clarified that the Congress has not called for a meeting of its legislature party in the state and that no other decision has been taken yet. He requested the media not to speculate on the issue.
The Legislature Party selects its leader, the obvious choice for CM. Surjewala, who arrived here on Wednesday, also met Siddaramaiah and other senior leaders.
The development follows the Congress high command reportedly asking Siddaramaiah to make way for a leadership change in the state and offering him a central role in the party with a Rajya Sabha seat. As per reports, Siddaramaiah has not immediately accepted the central role.
