An official statement from Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru confirmed that the Governor also dissolved the Council of Ministers led by Siddaramaiah with immediate effect.

The official order stated: “In exercise of the powers conferred on me under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India, I, THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT, Governor of Karnataka, have accepted the resignation of Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah shall continue to function as Chief Minister till alternative arrangements are made.”

Siddaramaiah resigned following directions from the Congress high command. The Congress Party is intensifying preparations for government formation in Karnataka. Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakumar planned to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi to discuss the cabinet reshuffle.

Party sources indicated that Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar, and All India Congress Committee Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala will hold discussions with the party’s top leadership. Rajya Sabha candidates, Member of Legislative Council candidates, and the cabinet reshuffle will be the primary topics during the meeting.

Sources further revealed that several ministers from Siddaramaiah’s cabinet may not be included in the new cabinet led by D K Shivakumar. To maintain social and regional balance, the appointment of four Deputy Chief Ministers is under consideration. Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, Member of the Legislative Council, is expected to be inducted into the Shivakumar cabinet and likely to receive a senior ministry to convey continuity of Siddaramaiah's legacy.

D K Shivakumar arrived at Karnataka Bhavan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, late on January 30. Commenting on the situation, he said, “The weather is bad today. My CM has landed in Jaipur. Lots of turbulence.”

Meanwhile, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Siddaramaiah and Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala at Jaipur airport. According to the office of Ashok Gehlot, Siddaramaiah's flight was diverted to Jaipur instead of Delhi due to inclement weather.

On social media, Siddaramaiah posted, “Had a warm meeting with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot at the Jaipur airport today.”

The date for the Congress Legislative Party meeting is expected to be finalised shortly, after which the date for D K Shivakumar’s oath-taking ceremony as Chief Minister of Karnataka will be decided.

Regarding the four Rajya Sabha seats up for election in Karnataka, Congress is poised to comfortably secure two and has an advantage on the third seat, needing only a few votes, according to sources.