Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his decision to step down from office on May 28, 2026, bringing an end to a major phase in his political career that spanned nearly five decades.

During a breakfast meeting hosted at his official residence in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah informed Cabinet colleagues that he had been asked by the Congress high command to resign and facilitate a leadership transition in the State.Ministers present at the meeting confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar had been identified as the likely successor.

Following the meeting, Siddaramaiah travelled to Lok Bhavan and submitted his resignation to the Governor’s secretary, as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away in Indore on a personal visit.The Chief Minister was expected to address the media later in the afternoon.Several senior ministers, including H.K.Patil, Dinesh Gundu Rao and Ramalinga Reddy, confirmed the development and praised Siddaramaiah’s leadership.

Emotional scenes were witnessed during the breakfast meeting, with photographs showing Siddaramaiah embracing Shivakumar, while the latter sought his blessings.Supporters of Shivakumar gathered outside his Bengaluru residence and celebrated the expected leadership change.The Congress leadership is likely to convene a Congress Legislative Party meeting to formally elect or announce the next Chief Minister.Reports also suggested that the party high command had offered Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha seat ahead of the June 18 elections.

The political transition follows long-standing discussions within the Congress regarding a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after the party returned to power in Karnataka.