Congress Orders Karnataka CM to Resign: Here’s Why!
Siddaramaiah resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister amid growing pressure from the Congress leadership, clearing the way for a likely leadership transition to D.K. Shivakumar.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned on 28 May 2026 after the Congress leadership asked him to step down. Accompanied by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, he submitted his resignation and said he was following the party high command's decision.
Soon after, Shivakumar touched Siddaramaiah’s feet and sought his blessings, fuelling speculation that he could be the next Chief Minister.
While Congress said the move was part of a leadership transition and offered Siddaramaiah a larger national role, the resignation comes amid several controversies.
The opposition had repeatedly targeted Siddaramaiah over the MUDA land allotment case involving plots allotted to his wife, and the Valmiki Corporation scam, which damaged the government's image despite no direct allegations against him.
However, many political observers believe the biggest reason was a long-running power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Since Congress returned to power in 2023, both leaders had laid claim to the Chief Minister’s post. Reports suggested a power-sharing arrangement under which Siddaramaiah would lead first and later hand over the position to Shivakumar.
Although Congress never officially confirmed such a deal, Shivakumar’s supporters consistently demanded that the promise be honoured. As internal tensions grew and concerns rose ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, the party leadership reportedly decided it was time for a transition.
With Siddaramaiah's resignation, all eyes are now on Congress as it prepares to choose Karnataka's next Chief Minister.
