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Karnataka CM announcement highlights: Shivakumar meets Kharge, his 'deputy CM' nameplates removed at Vidhana Soudha
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Hindustan Times
MAY 29, 2026, 4:00 AM
13 min read
Karnataka CM announcement highlights: Shivakumar meets Kharge, his 'deputy CM' nameplates removed at Vidhana Soudha

Karnataka CM announcement highlights: Karnataka is officially between chief ministers. For months, the state's political circles knew a leadership transition was coming. Yet, when Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, the exit did not follow a definite script. Rather than handing the reins directly to his deputy, DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah threw the decision back to the party high command.He now remains in office only as a caretaker, leading a dissolved cabinet while his party scrambles to name the next chief minister. Gehlot has also dissolved the council of ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah will continue to function as the CM until alternative arrangements are made, the notification added. Siddaramaiah met former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala at Jaipur airport on Thursday. According to Ashok Gehlot's Office, Siddaramaiah's flight was diverted to Jaipur instead of Delhi due to inclement weather. Is Siddaramaiah going to the Rajya Sabha?Siddaramaiah resigned on May 28, saying he was following the directions of the Congress leadership after days of speculation over a change in Karnataka’s top leadership. The resignation was initially handed over to officials at Raj Bhavan as Governor Gehlot was out of Bengaluru at the time. "They have asked me to go to Rajya Sabha. I have politely told them no, saying I want to remain in state politics and I am not interested in national politics,” Siddaramaiah told reporters after his resignation. HT reported on Tuesday that Siddaramaiah might be presented with a formula under which he steps aside in return for a Rajya Sabha seat and a possible cabinet position for his son, Yathindra, a member of the state legislative council. Four Rajya Sabha seats, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's, are going to the polls in Karnataka in June, and the Congress is expected to win three of them. “I have two more years as an MLA. I will serve my people. I will continue in active politics,” he said. Siddaramaiah’s exit sees the end of his second term as Karnataka chief minister, which began after the Congress returned to power in the 2023 Assembly elections. The four deputy CMs formulaAccording to party leaders aware of developments, a proposal to create four deputy chief minister posts was floated during the party’s leadership negotiations with the CM. “The CM has sought multiple deputy chief minister positions for leaders aligned with him as part of a broader transition arrangement being discussed with the Congress high command. Representation and internal balance are now a major part of the negotiations,” a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity.

He now remains in office only as a caretaker, leading a dissolved cabinet while his party scrambles to name the next chief minister. Gehlot has also dissolved the council of ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah will continue to function as the CM until alternative arrangements are made, the notification added. Siddaramaiah met former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala at Jaipur airport on Thursday. According to Ashok Gehlot's Office, Siddaramaiah's flight was diverted to Jaipur instead of Delhi due to inclement weather. Is Siddaramaiah going to the Rajya Sabha?Siddaramaiah resigned on May 28, saying he was following the directions of the Congress leadership after days of speculation over a change in Karnataka’s top leadership. The resignation was initially handed over to officials at Raj Bhavan as Governor Gehlot was out of Bengaluru at the time. "They have asked me to go to Rajya Sabha. I have politely told them no, saying I want to remain in state politics and I am not interested in national politics,” Siddaramaiah told reporters after his resignation. HT reported on Tuesday that Siddaramaiah might be presented with a formula under which he steps aside in return for a Rajya Sabha seat and a possible cabinet position for his son, Yathindra, a member of the state legislative council. Four Rajya Sabha seats, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's, are going to the polls in Karnataka in June, and the Congress is expected to win three of them. “I have two more years as an MLA. I will serve my people. I will continue in active politics,” he said. Siddaramaiah’s exit sees the end of his second term as Karnataka chief minister, which began after the Congress returned to power in the 2023 Assembly elections. The four deputy CMs formulaAccording to party leaders aware of developments, a proposal to create four deputy chief minister posts was floated during the party’s leadership negotiations with the CM. “The CM has sought multiple deputy chief minister positions for leaders aligned with him as part of a broader transition arrangement being discussed with the Congress high command. Representation and internal balance are now a major part of the negotiations,” a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity.

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: A day after stepping down as Karnataka chief minister, Congress leader Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Friday, officials said.

Siddaramaiah was accompanied by his son Yathindra during the meetings.

His meeting with Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence is being viewed as significant amid the ongoing leadership transition in Karnataka.

Sources said Siddaramaiah informed the former Congress chief that he had fulfilled his commitment to resign from the chief minister's post, clearing the way for the next phase of government formation in the state.

Calling it a privilege to have worked alongside Siddaramaiah as Deputy Chief Minister, Shivakumar said the outgoing leader's guidance would continue to inspire and strengthen the party in the days ahead.

In a post on X, Shivakumar, who is widely expected to be elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the coming days, said, "As the saying goes - If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together - I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka."

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Former Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar said no decision had yet been taken regarding the formation of the new Cabinet in the state. He said the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting had been called on Saturday.

Shivakumar said discussions with the Congress high command were still underway and all party MLAs had been asked to remain present in Bengaluru for the meeting.

"Everything is happening as requested by the high command. Nothing has been decided. Tomorrow we have called the CLP meeting, our central leaders have to come. We have to discuss with our high command. We have asked all MLAs to be present in Bengaluru. Apart from that, nothing else is there," Shivakumar said. (ANI)

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has arrived at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence. After Siddaramaiah's resignation, the limelight has now shifted to Shivakumar, considered to be the next CM pick.

He added that details on the Cabinet formation will be clear after CLP meeting on Saturday, news agency PTI reported.

"Siddaramaiah is a man of his words. I am an aspirant, I hope to be given a chance in the cabinet," he said, PTI reported.

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Nameplates of Siddaramaiah, with him as the Chief Minister, and DK Shivakumar - as the Deputy Chief Minister, are being stored away in a cupboard by the staff at Vidhana Soudha as a change in leadership is about to happen in the state.

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar praised Siddaramaiah following his resignation as Chief Minister, calling him “the most successful, influential, and long-serving Chief Minister etched in the people's hearts.”

“God does not give a groom, nor does He give a curse. He only gives an opportunity. What we achieve with that given opportunity is what matters,” Shivakumar said, describing Siddaramaiah as a leader who rose “through struggle” to become a “messenger of social justice and a kinsman of the poor.”

Highlighting Siddaramaiah’s contributions to governance and welfare schemes, Shivakumar said his “people-centric schemes” and nearly five decades of political experience would remain memorable.

“From people-centric schemes to his contributions to the development of various sectors in the state, they are unforgettable. His vast political experience of nearly fifty years, social concern, and people-centric schemes are always memorable. From the day I was elected as KPCC President in 2020 until today, Siddaramaiah has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me in party organization.”

"It is my fortune to have received guidance from him during his administration as a minister and as Deputy Chief Minister. I hope that in the coming days as well, for the welfare of the state and the strengthening of our party, his guidance and senior experience will continue to support us in the same way."

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Congress leader Siddaramaiah left from AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal's residence. He met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi earlier.

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Seven Karnataka Congress leaders, including three MLAs and two MLCs, have written to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge seeking three ministerial berths for leaders from Kolar district.

The leaders demanded a cabinet post for S.N. Narayanaswamy under the Dalit quota, and ministerial positions for K.Y. Nanjegowda and Kothur G. Manjunath under the General quota.

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Outgoing Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s residence in Delhi and shared a “warm hug” amid a major leadership transition in Karnataka.

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Siddaramaiah is a senior Congress leader. He had been serving his second term since 2023 and resigned on May 28.

Born in Mysuru district in 1947, he studied law and briefly worked as a lawyer and lecturer. He then entered politics in 1983 from the Chamundeshwari constituency.

He rose through the Janata Party and Janata Dal ranks, serving as finance minister and later deputy chief minister in the 1990s. After splitting with HD Deve Gowda and the JD(S), he joined the Indian National Congress in 2005.

Siddaramaiah led Congress to victory in Karnataka in 2013 and became chief minister for the first time. He completed a full five-year term till 2018.

He returned as CM in 2023 after another Congress win and is known for his welfare-driven politics and flagship guarantee schemes. In 2026, he became Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister.

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: After his meeting with outgoing Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said his public life has consistently reflected “dignity, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice.”

He added that Siddaramaiah began from humble beginnings and went up to become the chief minister of Karnataka twice, where he remained committed to equality and welfare of the marginalised.

“Shri Siddaramaiah's public life has consistently reflected dignity, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice,"he wrote in a post on X.

“From humble beginnings to serving Karnataka twice as Chief Minister, he remained steadfast in his commitment to equality, harmony, and the welfare of the marginalised.”

"Karnataka and the Congress party remain grateful for his contribution to public life. Wishing him good health and the very best in his continued service to the people."

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: On Siddaramaiah's resignation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut said his respect for the Congress leader has grown, adding that such smooth transfer of power rarely happens.

"... Congress has its own internal system. But my respect for Siddaramaiah has grown. Such a smooth transfer of power rarely happens. Leaders don’t usually give up their positions. Siddaramaiah is a true leader, a people’s leader. When the Congress party ordered, he stepped down. This is something I have rarely seen in Indian politics."

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: On Siddaramaiah's next steps after resigning as the CM, former Minister HK Patil said, "He is not willing for central politics. Congress party offered him Rajya Sabha, he politely said that he would continue to be in state politics. As of today, that question is ruled out. But in Congress party, and also in state, there will be a position carved out for him."

Karnataka CM announcement LIVE: Karnataka AICC in-charge Randeep Surjewala arrived at AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal's house in Delhi amid discussion on new Cabinet formation in the State.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: After his meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, outgoing Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah met and held discussions with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, news agency ANI reported.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala leaves from 10 Janpath.

"Siddaramaiah ji met Rahul Gandhi. It was a very pleasant meeting and they discussed multiple political issues. I don't have anything to say further. Thank you," he told reporters.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: Reacting to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah stepping down, BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said the Congress should appoint a Dalit chief minister.

“I can't say for their internal discussion, but there should have been a Dalit CM,” Narayanaswamy told ANI. He added that many Dalit leaders and workers could leave the Congress after the decision.

“Dalit MLAs and leaders should not compromise their self-respect. If offered any ministerial post instead of the chief ministership, they should refuse,” he said.

Karnataka CM news LIVE: A day after stepping down as Karnataka chief minister, Congress leader Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi at their 10 Janpath residence in Delhi on Friday. He was accompanied by his son Yathindra, PTI reported.

He is expected to seek Cabinet positions for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka government, including the deputy chief minister’s post.

Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja said that the recent cabinet reshuffling in Karnataka should be "closely watched" after seeing the long leadership tussle play out between senior Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.

The CPI leader said that the long tussle was finally resolved after the Congress party "intervened".

His remarks came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped down from the post, submitting his resignation to the Governor's Special Secretary at Lok Bhavan.

Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday arrived to meet Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairman Sonia Gandhi in the national capital, a day after tendering his resignation from the post.

Siddaramaiah is accompanied by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Surjewala during the meeting, where discussions will be held on the formation of the next government in the state.

They are also scheduled to meet party chief Mallikarjun Kharge later in the day.

Following Siddaramaiah's resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister, a banner congratulating Deputy CM DK Shivakumar as the "future Chief Minister" appeared near his residence on Friday, signalling the expected leadership transition.

The display, reportedly placed by an enthusiastic supporter, stated, "Hearty congratulations to the new, future Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar."

This comes as Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday accepted the resignation of Siddaramaiah as the CM, a day after the latter submitted his resignation.

Karnataka caretaker CM Siddaramaiah has arrived at the residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Karnataka caretaker CM Siddaramaiah has left from the hotel and is heading to the residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Hindustan Times

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