Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Karnataka’s political leadership transition reached a decisive stage on Thursday after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he would step down from the post, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to emerge as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s chair.
Senior Congress leaders confirmed that Siddaramaiah is expected to submit his resignation at Vidhana Soudha later in the day following directions from the party high command, ending weeks of speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced he will step down, positioning Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar as the likely successor following party directives. Siddaramaiah is expected to submit his resignation at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru after an emotional breakfast meeting at his ‘Kaveri’ residence.
Emotional Breakfast Meeting At ‘Kaveri’
Hours before the expected resignation, Siddaramaiah hosted an emotional breakfast meeting for cabinet colleagues at his official residence ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru. Ministers and senior Congress leaders, including Shivakumar, attended the gathering, which quickly turned into a farewell-style interaction.
The atmosphere reportedly became emotional after Siddaramaiah informed colleagues about his decision to resign. Several ministers were seen teary-eyed, while some leaders struggled to speak during the meeting.
Visuals from the residence showed Shivakumar hugging Siddaramaiah warmly before breakfast. The Deputy CM also sought Siddaramaiah’s blessings, adding to the emotional scenes surrounding the leadership transition.
Transport Minister Santosh Lad was reportedly among those moved to tears as ministers began leaving the residence after the meeting.
Siddaramaiah To Submit Resignation At Vidhana Soudha
Congress sources said Siddaramaiah has already prepared his resignation letter and is expected to head to Vidhana Soudha in the afternoon to formally hand it over.
Party insiders indicated that the Congress high command decided to move ahead with the leadership transition in order to end internal uncertainty within the Karnataka unit.
The breakfast meeting held significance as Siddaramaiah skipped his usual Bakrid engagements and instead chose to spend the morning with cabinet colleagues discussing the political transition.
According to leaders present at the meeting, Siddaramaiah thanked ministers for their support during his tenure and urged them to continue focusing on governance and public service.
Tight Security Around Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar Residences
Amid growing political excitement, security was intensified around both Siddaramaiah’s residence ‘Kaveri’ and Shivakumar’s residence in Sadashivanagar.
Police personnel were deployed in large numbers near both locations as supporters of the two leaders gathered outside. Barricades were placed on approach roads to prevent overcrowding and maintain law and order.
Officials feared protests or celebrations could intensify once Siddaramaiah formally submits his resignation.
The leadership transition follows multiple rounds of discussions between Karnataka Congress leaders and the party high command in Delhi.
AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala held a closed-door meeting with Siddaramaiah at ‘Kaveri’ on Wednesday night to discuss the transition process and political arrangements for Siddaramaiah loyalists in the next government.
Sources said Siddaramaiah sought assurances regarding cabinet representation and political space for ministers considered close to him.
Several senior ministers, including K.J. George, M.B. Patil, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, Eshwar Khandre and Dinesh Gundu Rao, attended strategy discussions ahead of the expected resignation.
Despite being widely seen as the next Chief Minister, Shivakumar has so far maintained silence publicly and avoided making celebratory statements.
Sources close to Shivakumar said he plans to react only after Siddaramaiah formally submits his resignation and the Congress Legislature Party completes the leadership selection process.
Supporters of Shivakumar, however, gathered quietly across Bengaluru and Ramanagara, anticipating an official announcement from the Congress leadership.
