Bengaluru, May 28, 2026 : Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday officially announced his resignation from the post of Karnataka Chief Minister, stating that he stepped down following instructions from the party high command.
Addressing a packed press conference in Bengaluru, the 77-year-old veteran leader confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter earlier in the day.
Siddaramaiah informed reporters that since Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was not present in the city, he handed over his resignation letter to the Governor’s Special Secretary, Prabhu Shankar.
“I have tendered my resignation from the Chief Minister’s post. I am confident the Governor would accept my resignation as per Constitutional provisions,” Siddaramaiah stated during the media interaction.
The outgoing Chief Minister reiterated that he had always maintained he would resign whenever directed by the Congress leadership.
“The high command directed me two days ago to step down, and accordingly, I have submitted my resignation today,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the party leadership, Siddaramaiah thanked Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for giving him the opportunity to serve Karnataka twice as Chief Minister.
“I got the opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka twice, for which I thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he added.
Siddaramaiah’s resignation marks a major political development in Karnataka and is expected to trigger significant discussions within the Congress party regarding the selection of the next Chief Minister.
Political observers believe the leadership transition could have a substantial impact on the state’s political landscape ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.
