Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived in New Delhi on May 29 to meet Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairman Sonia Gandhi, a day after he tendered his resignation.
Siddaramaiah was accompanied by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Surjewala for discussions focused on the formation of the next government in Karnataka. Later in the day, they are scheduled to meet party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
Sources indicated that talks primarily concerned finalising Rajya Sabha candidates, Legislative Council (MLC) nominations, and a possible cabinet reshuffle ahead of the new government’s swearing-in. It is expected that several ministers from Siddaramaiah’s cabinet will not be included in the prospective DK Shivakumar-led cabinet. The party leadership is also considering appointing four Deputy Chief Ministers to maintain social and regional balance.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 29 and dissolved the Council of Ministers with immediate effect. An official order from Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru 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 stepped down as per the Congress high command’s instructions. At a press conference, he expressed his gratitude to the Congress leadership and the people of Karnataka, saying: “I am a politician and I have understood that the constitution is our religion. Voters are fans, God. I had the opportunity to speak to 7 crore people of Kannada Nadu. I had the opportunity to become the Chief Minister twice. I would like to express my immense gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have provided this opportunity.”
He also emphasised that the Congress party continues to hold a clear majority in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, supported by independent legislators: “Our party has won 135+1 seats. In addition, two independents have also supported our government. We are in the absolute majority.”
The resignation followed a high-level meeting at Siddaramaiah’s official residence ‘Kaveri’, where DK Shivakumar was seen paying his respects to Siddaramaiah, a gesture widely interpreted as symbolic of a leadership transition within the state government.
Siddaramaiah stated that constitutional procedures would be followed for appointing the next Chief Minister, expressing confidence that the Governor would act accordingly: “I have submitted my resignation today after the high command told me to resign earlier. I am fully confident that the Governor will accept it when he comes. Because it has to be done according to the constitution. Their procedure is up to them. Once the Chief Minister resigns, the next Chief Minister should allow it; that is their responsibility. We are in the absolute majority. Therefore, it is Constitutional that the Chief Minister should be allowed to form the government.”