The long-simmering debate within the Karnataka Congress over a change of guard has finally been settled. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced his resignation. A photo has emerged showing DK Shivakumar touching Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s feet and seeking his blessings during a breakfast meeting.
CM Siddaramaiah organised a special breakfast meeting at his residence. Many prominent Congress ministers were present in this meeting cum breakfast. Along with the ministers, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also attended this meeting.
Congress president’s son Priyank Kharge, arrived
It’s worth noting that discussions about a leadership change have been ongoing within the Congress party for some time, but Thursday morning’s events gave these discussions a new direction. Several ministers, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, and HK Patil, arrived at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence. Security arrangements appeared much tighter than usual. Two party MLAs indicated that Siddaramaiah might resign and that the party high command was considering a new solution. However, no official statement has yet been issued by the Congress party.
#Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah meets his Cabinet colleagues before resigning as CM.#Siddaramaiah likely to tender his resignation around 3 PM. pic.twitter.com/50NcBmQKNL
— Dr Velamur Govindarajan (@Govindarajan67) May 28, 2026No official statement issued by party
After Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived at the Chief Minister’s residence, political discussions intensified. It is believed that if there is a leadership change, Shivakumar could be given the reins of the state. Some leaders also suggest that the party may adopt a formula of multiple deputy chief ministers to keep all factions balanced. Recent meetings with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have further fueled speculation about this change. The party is currently remaining tight-lipped about any decisions.
Discussion about Rajya Sabha and cabinet
According to sources, the Congress is also considering a formula that could send Siddaramaiah to the Rajya Sabha. His son Yatindra Siddaramaiah is also expected to be included in the state cabinet. Elections for four Rajya Sabha seats in Karnataka are scheduled for June, and the Congress party is expected to secure a strong victory. The Chief Minister’s legal advisor, A.S. Ponnanna, also hinted that some changes are possible. He said that it remains to be seen what will happen and how.
Edited by: Bhoomi Goyal
