Siddaramaiah Set to Resign as Karnataka Chief Minister Today

Bengaluru, May 28: In a significant political shift within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to resign today at 3 PM. This announcement was confirmed by Karnataka Minister H.K. Patil amidst ongoing turmoil in the party.

Earlier today, D.K. Shivakumar visited Siddaramaiah’s official residence, Cauvery, for a breakfast meeting. H.K. Patil was also present, along with several cabinet ministers and close legislators of Siddaramaiah. During the meeting, Shivakumar sought Siddaramaiah’s blessings by touching his feet, and they embraced each other, attempting to convey unity within the party.

Following the meeting, Minister H.K. Patil addressed the media, stating, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will resign at 3 PM. He has indicated that we will appoint D.K. Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister.”

An official release from the Chief Minister’s office noted that Siddaramaiah will visit Lok Bhavan at 2:30 PM and will hold a press conference at his second official residence, Krishna, at 3 PM.

Prior to this, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were summoned to Delhi for a lengthy meeting with the party leadership, which ultimately led to the decision regarding the Chief Minister’s position. Speculations about a ‘power transfer’ in Karnataka had been circulating since then.

Supporters of Siddaramaiah expressed dissatisfaction with his impending resignation, while Shivakumar’s supporters were already celebrating the anticipated change.

According to Congress sources, Siddaramaiah traveled to Delhi with proposals for a cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of a new KPCC president to replace Shivakumar. However, it was reported that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, clearly instructed Siddaramaiah to ensure a smooth power transfer without further negotiations.

It is also said that Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal advised Siddaramaiah that Rahul Gandhi had previously given him two opportunities to serve as Chief Minister, and now it was time for him to respect the party’s decision.