Karnataka CM Change LIVE Updates
The power-sharing crisis within the Karnataka Congress appears to have finally reached its conclusion, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly deciding to step down from the top post and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emerging as the next Chief Ministerial face.
Major political developments unfolded in Bengaluru on Thursday as senior Congress leaders gathered at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s official residence ‘Kaveri’ for a crucial breakfast and lunch meeting amid intense speculation over leadership transition in the state.
Top Congress sources indicated that key decisions were finalised following high-level discussions in Delhi earlier this week between Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar and the Congress high command.
Stay tuned for minute-by-minute Karnataka political updates:
29 May 2026 | 11:14 AM (IST)
The prolonged Karnataka Congress power-sharing suspense is now nearing its final conclusion after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot officially accepted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation on Friday morning.
The development has cleared the way for the formation of a new Congress government in Karnataka, with strong indications emerging that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar could soon take oath as the next Chief Minister.
While the Congress high command has yet to make an official announcement regarding the leadership transition, political activity has intensified in both Bengaluru and New Delhi amid expectations of DK Shivakumar's elevation to the top post.
29 May 2026 | 10:05 AM (IST)
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who resigned from the post on May 28, arrived at Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath in Delhi on Thursday morning.
According to sources, Siddaramaiah met both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and personally thanked them following the leadership transition in the Karnataka Congress.
The development comes a day after Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot officially accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister, formally ending his tenure.
Meanwhile, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow, May 30, where Congress MLAs are expected to elect the new legislature party leader. Party legislators have reportedly been instructed to remain in Bengaluru ahead of the crucial meeting.
Both Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar travelled to Delhi following the resignation developments, intensifying speculation over the final announcement of Karnataka’s next Chief Minister.
Sources within the Congress indicated that the process of leadership transition has entered its final phase, with DK Shivakumar emerging as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post. Official confirmation is expected within the next two days as political activity continues to intensify in both Bengaluru and Delhi.
28 May 2026 | 03:32 PM (IST)
Shortly after resigning as Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah addressed an emotional press conference and reflected on his political journey, saying he never imagined becoming an MLA or Chief Minister.
“I come from a village. I never thought I would become an MLA or CM. I entered politics accidentally. No one from my family was in politics,” Siddaramaiah said during the interaction with media persons.
The veteran Congress leader stated that he had always followed the ideals of Buddha, Basavanna, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi throughout his political career and maintained deep respect for the Constitution.
Siddaramaiah also recalled joining the Congress party in 2006 and thanked party workers, MLAs, MPs and senior leaders for supporting him over the years.
“I was Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018 and again from 2023 till now. Everyone who worked with me cooperated fully,” he said.
During the press conference, Siddaramaiah compared voters to “God” while referring to actor Dr. Rajkumar’s famous statement about fans.
“Rajkumar used to say fans are like God. For me, the Constitution is my religion and voters are my fans,” he stated.
The outgoing Chief Minister thanked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for allowing him to serve Karnataka twice as Chief Minister and twice as Leader of the Opposition.
On his resignation, Siddaramaiah clarified that he stepped down following instructions from the Congress high command.
“I had said earlier too, that I would resign whenever the high command asked me to do so. Accordingly, I resigned after receiving instructions,” he said.
He further confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to the Governor’s Secretary as Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot was out of Bengaluru.
“The Governor is not in town. I submitted my resignation letter to the Secretary at Raj Bhavan. I am confident the Governor will accept it once he returns,” Siddaramaiah added.
28 May 2026 | 03:15 PM (IST)
Siddaramaiah has officially resigned from the post of Karnataka Chief Minister and later addressed a press conference at his Home Office ‘Krishna’ following the dramatic political development.
According to sources, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation letter to the Governor’s Special Secretary as Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot had already left for Indore.
The resignation marks the end of Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister amid the Congress party’s power-sharing transition, with DCM DK Shivakumar expected to take over as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has arrived at Lok Bhavan to formally submit his resignation letter amid the ongoing leadership transition in the Congress government.
According to sources, Minister Byrathi Suresh is personally driving Siddaramaiah’s vehicle during the high-profile visit to Lok Bhavan.
The development comes hours after Siddaramaiah reportedly confirmed that DCM DK Shivakumar would be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, marking a major political transition in the state.
28 May 2026 | 02:16 PM (IST)
Bengaluru: Amid the ongoing power-sharing transition in the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s personal secretary Venkatesaiah has been transferred by the state government.
According to official information, Venkatesaiah has now been appointed as the Director of the Agricultural Marketing Department.
The sudden administrative transfer has come at a politically sensitive time when preparations are underway for the leadership transition from Siddaramaiah to DCM DK Shivakumar.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly announced after the post-lunch meeting that DCM DK Shivakumar will be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, bringing an end to days of intense political speculation within the Congress party.
With the leadership transition now almost confirmed, the countdown has begun for Siddaramaiah to formally submit his resignation. Sources said the Chief Minister is expected to hand over his resignation letter to the Governor’s Principal Secretary in the absence of Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.
However, the formal acceptance of the resignation could face delays as the Governor, who travelled to Indore following the illness of a family member, is now expected to return to Bengaluru only after nearly two days.
The latest development has intensified political activity in Karnataka as Congress leaders prepare for the official transition of power to DK Shivakumar.
Political pressure within Karnataka Congress intensified after fresh demands emerged for a Dalit Chief Minister following Siddaramaiah’s resignation announcement. Supporters of Home Minister G. Parameshwara staged a protest near his Sadashivanagar residence, demanding that he be made the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The situation turned tense after Parameshwara's supporters arrived carrying flex banners and slogans backing his candidature. Police personnel deployed near the residence attempted to control the crowd, leading to a brief scuffle between supporters and security personnel.
The protest comes amid rapid political developments in Karnataka over the Congress leadership transition and growing discussions surrounding caste representation in the state’s top post.
CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that he will resign from the post of Karnataka Chief Minister today after holding discussions with DCM DK Shivakumar during a breakfast meeting in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah also congratulated DK Shivakumar, further strengthening speculation over the leadership transition in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah remarked, “The Governor is not a fool, let’s see if he goes,” indicating that the resignation process would move ahead despite Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot currently being away in Indore.
Sources said the Congress high command is satisfied with the smooth power transition in Karnataka, especially after Siddaramaiah reportedly agreed to step down without internal rebellion or public confrontation. Party leaders believe this has helped avoid political instability similar to developments previously witnessed in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Governor Gehlot is expected to return to Bengaluru later today, while political circles continue to closely watch the formal resignation process and the possible elevation of DK Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
28 May 2026 | 12:27 PM (IST)
In a major political development, Siddaramaiah reportedly informed party leaders after the lunch meeting at Kaveri's residence that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar would be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Soon after the development, the Karnataka Congress official X handle shared a message stating:
“Together is our strength, forever serving the people.”
The post is being viewed as a strong signal of unity within the Karnataka Congress amid the leadership transition.
Following the lunch meeting at his official residence, Siddaramaiah reportedly congratulated DK Shivakumar and informed leaders that he would proceed to Lok Bhavan at 3 PM to formally submit his resignation.
Political observers described the moment as emotionally significant amid ongoing speculation surrounding the Congress power-sharing formula.
During the breakfast meeting with ministers and MLAs, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly spoke in detail about his government’s performance and financial management over the last three years.
Sources stated that Siddaramaiah highlighted the challenges faced while implementing the Congress government’s guarantee schemes and said his administration managed to provide stable governance despite financial pressure.
He reportedly told ministers that the guarantees were implemented successfully despite “all obstacles and difficulties.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly announced that he would resign from the CM post at 3 PM today.
Sources said Siddaramaiah informed party leaders that he would visit Lok Bhavan to submit his resignation. He also reportedly clarified that if Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot is unavailable in Bengaluru, the resignation would be handed over to the Governor’s Special Secretary as per constitutional procedure.
One of the most discussed moments of the day came during the breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah’s official residence when Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar touched Siddaramaiah’s feet and sought his blessings.
The gesture quickly went viral across social media and was widely interpreted as a symbolic display of unity and respect amid the leadership transition discussions.
Siddaramaiah was later seen warmly blessing and embracing DK Shivakumar during the gathering.
Political curiosity intensified after Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot reportedly travelled out of Bengaluru.
Constitutional experts clarified that even in the Governor’s absence, the Chief Minister retains the right to submit his resignation letter to the Governor’s Special Secretary at Lok Bhavan.
However, the resignation process would require the Governor's formal acceptance upon his return.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah began a major breakfast meeting with ministers, legislators and senior Congress leaders at his official residence ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar attended the meeting along with senior ministers including Satish Jarkiholi, M.B. Patil, Eshwar Khandre, Santosh Lad, Priyank Kharge, N.S. Boseraju, Dr. Sharanaprakash Patil, S.S. Mallikarjun, K.J. George, Byrathi Suresh, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Madhu Bangarappa, Shivanand Patil, K.H. Muniyappa, Ramalinga Reddy, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, H.K. Patil, Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Shivaraj Tangadagi and Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Several MLAs including A.S. Ponnanna, Basavaraj Rayareddy, Ashok Pattan and Puttarangashetty also participated in the gathering.
Amid growing political activity, security arrangements were intensified near DK Shivakumar’s private residence in Bengaluru.
Additional barricades and police personnel, including special deployment teams, were stationed near the residence to manage crowds and maintain law and order.
Sources claimed that DK Shivakumar instructed his supporters and party leaders not to make premature public statements regarding the chief ministership issue.
According to reports, Shivakumar told ministers and MLAs that the Congress high command had not directly communicated anything to him regarding leadership change and that all discussions had so far been held with Siddaramaiah.
The remarks were interpreted as an attempt to maintain discipline within the party during sensitive negotiations.
The latest developments suggest that Karnataka Congress is witnessing one of its most significant political transitions since the 2023 Assembly elections.
With Siddaramaiah expected to formally resign later today and DK Shivakumar emerging as the likely successor, all eyes are now on Lok Bhavan and the official announcement from the Congress high command.
This LIVE blog will continue to be updated with the latest developments from Karnataka politics.
