Thaawarchand Gehlot accepts Siddaramaiah’s resignation as chief minister, dissolves cabinet

Thaawarchand Gehlot has accepted the resignation of Siddaramaiah as Karnataka chief minister, a day after the veteran Congress leader stepped down amid a leadership transition in the state.

The governor also dissolved the council of ministers headed by Siddaramaiah with immediate effect. However, Siddaramaiah will continue as caretaker chief minister until alternative arrangements are made, according to an official notification.

Siddaramaiah resigned on May 28, saying he was acting on the directions of the Congress leadership after days of speculation over a possible change in Karnataka’s leadership. His resignation was initially submitted to officials at Raj Bhavan while the governor was away from Bengaluru.

“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 stepping down.

“I have two more years as an MLA. I will serve my people. I will continue in active politics,” he added.

His resignation brings an end to his second term as Karnataka chief minister, which began after the Congress returned to power in the 2023 Assembly elections.

Attention has now shifted to Siddaramaiah’s deputy, DK Shivakumar, who is widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed him.

Sources said Siddaramaiah named Shivakumar as his preferred successor during a breakfast meeting with senior cabinet colleagues on Thursday, although there has been no official confirmation.

In his farewell remarks, Siddaramaiah said the decision on the next chief minister would rest with the Congress high command and the Congress Legislature Party.

“Whoever the high command and CLP chooses will be the CM of the state,” he said.

Congress leaders said Shivakumar’s rise within the party has been driven by his organisational skills and the trust he enjoys with the leadership. “His real test as a mass leader begins now,” a senior party leader said.