Key Updates
- Will Siddaramaiah’s exit impact socialist, progressive politics in Karnataka?
- End of an era of tall leaders who held sway across Karnataka
- D.K. Shivakumar as CM disadvantageous for H.D. Kumaraswamy?
- After Karnataka, Congress signals it has the appetite to settle Chief Ministerial feuds
How Siddaramaiah left DK Shivakumar with a major political challenge before stepping down
May 29, 2026 20:01
Change is always good: Veerappa Moily on Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle
Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily on Friday (May 29, 2026) said that changes in the Karnataka Cabinet were necessary and would help the party overcome “anti-incumbency”, adding that the induction of new faces would also benefit aspiring legislators.
Speaking to ANI, Mr. Moily said, “Change is always good, new faces will have to come, because there are a number of aspiring MLAs and MLCs who would like to serve in the Government, and even if Siddaramaiah were to continue as a Chief Minister, he would have made a change and all these Ministers would have continued. So, change is good for the Party, and people will also like. The same Ministers and same faces will have an anti-incumbency issue. With the new faces coming into the Ministry, this will be resolved.”
ANI
May 29, 2026 18:21
In pictures: D.K. Shivakumar meets Congress chief Kharge and Rahul Gandhi
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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar called on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at the latter’s official residence on Friday (May 29, 2026). Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also joined in.
Photo credit: Special arrangement
May 29, 2026 16:26
Will Siddaramaiah’s exit impact socialist, progressive politics in Karnataka?
Siddaramaiah, a trenchant critic of Hindutva politics
Siddaramaiah's resignation raises questions about the future of socialist politics and the fight against Hindutva in Karnataka.
May 29, 2026 16:03
End of an era of tall leaders who held sway across Karnataka
The stepping down of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah marks the end of a chapter in Karnataka politics in the last two decades when popular leaders often had a mass appeal that defined the State’s political discourse.
The veteran leader, along with his one-time mentor former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, a towering Vokkaliga personality, and former Chief Minister and Lingayat strongman B.S. Yediyurappa, were seen as influential figures in the State’s politics with their sway running deep in their respective constituencies. Mr. Gowda has been in public life for more than six decades, and Mr. Yediyurappa completed five decades recently. Mr. Siddaramaiah’s political career spans 48 years.
Read the full story here:
End of an era of tall leaders who held sway across Karnataka
The departure of Karnataka's tall leaders signals a pivotal shift in the state's political landscape and future dynamics.
May 29, 2026 15:53
Vice President thanks outgoing CM Siddaramaiah for services to Karnataka
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on May 29 thanked outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his service to Karnataka, while expressing hope that the new CM would focus on the development of the state.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 75th Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of University BDT College of Engineering here, in the presence of the Governor of Karnataka and Chancellor of the University, Thaawarchand Gehlot.
Noting that there is a change of guard in the state, he said, “On my personal behalf, I thank the outgoing Chief Minister for the great service he has rendered to the state, and we all wish that the incoming Chief Minister concentrates on the development of the state and on fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Karnataka, so that they are better served.”
- PTI
May 29, 2026 15:43
D.K. Shivakumar as CM disadvantageous for H.D. Kumaraswamy?
Shivakumar’s elevation as Karnataka CM poses existential challenge for JD(S)
Shivakumar's rise as Karnataka CM challenges JD(S), prompting H.D. Kumaraswamy's potential return to state politics ahead of 2028 elections.
May 29, 2026 14:31
Nothing decided yet: DK Shivakumar on new leadership in Karnataka
Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on May 29, 2026, said no decision had yet been taken regarding the formation of the new Cabinet in the state, adding that a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting had been convened for May 30.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, 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,” said Shivakumar.
A high-level meeting of senior Congress leaders, including outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, senior leaders DK Shivakumar and KJ George, was held in New Delhi to discuss the formation of the new government in Karnataka. Shivakumar also met other leaders of the Congress in a hotel in the national capital, earlier in the day.
- ANI
May 29, 2026 14:26
Karnataka Congress calls CLP meeting on May 30 amid leadership transition
The Karnataka Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has called for a meeting on May 30 at 4 pm amid ongoing efforts to formalise the leadership transition in the State following the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
According to a letter issued by CLP Secretary Allamaprabhu Patil on May 29, the meeting will be held at the ‘Sammelana Sabhangana’ (conference hall), Room No 334, on the third floor of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
The meeting will be chaired by Mr. Siddaramaiah in his capacity as leader of the Congress Legislature Party.
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- ANI
May 29, 2026 13:40
Privilege to learn from Siddaramaiah's experience, political foresight: DKS
Karnataka leadership: What D.K. Shivakumar says about Siddaramaiah
D.K. Shivakumar praises Siddaramaiah's leadership, highlighting his resilience and commitment to social justice.
May 29, 2026 13:16
Karnataka and Congress remain grateful for Siddaramaiah's contribution: Mallikarjun Kharge
AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed gratitude for Siddaramaiah’s contribution to public life.
In a post on X, he wrote: “Mr. Siddaramaiah has consistently reflected dignity, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice.
“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.”
May 29, 2026 13:01
CLP meeting at 4 p.m. on May 30: Karnataka Minister H.K. Patil
Karnataka Minister H.K. Patil said the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting will be held on Saturday (May 30) and asserted that all issues within the party had been resolved following the resignation of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.
Patil said the CLP meeting was scheduled for May 30 at 4 pm and expressed confidence that the transition in leadership would strengthen the party.“CLP meeting will be held tomorrow (30th May) at 4 pm,” Patil said.
- ANI
May 29, 2026 12:40
Siddaramaiah's manifold contributions to Karnataka's will endure: Jairam Ramesh
Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s manifold contributions to the development of Karnataka will endure, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Friday.
In a post on X, Mr. Ramesh said, “Siddaramaiah avaru has been a hugely dominant figure in Karnataka’s politics for over four decades, which is a stupendous achievement in itself. He has presented 17 Budgets in the State, just one less than the record set by Vajubhai Vala in Gujarat and one more than the feat accomplished by Dr. Asim Dasgupta in West Bengal. Each of his 17 Budgets was noteworthy and impactful.”
The dignity with which he has been participating in the transition of power in the State has enhanced his stature immeasurably, his post said.
“Apart from the making of Budgets and his mastery over administration, Siddaramaiah avaru has been a fierce champion of social justice and empowerment, an uncompromising upholder of secular values and traditions, and a forceful voice for rationality and scientific temper. He has been a true mass leader in the full and best sense of the term. Eloquent in speech, his stinging wit directed at his political opponents was always effective. His manifold contributions to the development of Karnataka will endure.”
May 29, 2026 12:28
Gloom in Siddaramanahundi as Siddaramaiah quits as Chief Minister
Gloom in Siddaramanahundi as Siddaramaiah quits as Chief Minister
Residents of Siddaramanahundi mourn Siddaramaiah's resignation, expressing disappointment and support for his leadership and contributions.
May 29, 2026 12:15
The Constitution is my religion and voters are my abhimani devaru: Siddaramaiah
Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who on Thursday resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister, said he would continue to remain active in State politics and had no interest in moving to national politics.
Addressing a press conference after submitting his resignation, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had offered him a Rajya Sabha seat, which he declined. “I politely declined the offer as I have no interest in national politics,” he said.
He added that he would continue as an MLA, noting that the people had elected him for a five-year term. “I will continue to fight communal forces in the State,” he said.
May 29, 2026 11:29
After Karnataka, Congress signals it has the appetite to settle Chief Ministerial feuds
After Karnataka, Congress signals it has the appetite to settle Chief Ministerial feuds
Congress's Karnataka leadership change may guide the party in resolving future chief ministerial disputes amid internal rivalries.
May 29, 2026 10:57
Day after resigning as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah meets Rahul Gandhi in Delhi
A day after resigning as the chief minister of Karnataka, Congress leader Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence on Friday morning.
He was accompanied by his son Yathindra.
The meeting is seen as significant because Mr. Siddaramaiah will discuss his future course with the Congress leadership, after having already declined a Rajya Sabha seat.
Mr. Siddaramaiah has also said that he wants to remain in Karnataka and is not keen on a central role, which the party high command had suggested to him.
Sources said Mr. Siddaramaiah only met Rahul Gandhi, as Sonia Gandhi was not present during the meeting.
Mr. Siddaramaiah thanked Rahul Gandhi for giving him an opportunity to serve the state and informed him that he had resigned from the chief minister’s post as asked, the sources said.
Mr. Siddaramaiah is also likely to seek a berth for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka Cabinet, including the post of deputy Chief Minister, they said.
According to the sources, Mr. Siddaramaiah later met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the new government formation in Karnataka and his future role in the party.
Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who was present during Mr. Siddaramaiah’s hour-long meeting with Rahul Gandhi, said, “It was a very pleasant meeting. They discussed multiple issues.” Asked if the transition will be smooth in Karnataka, he said, “Absolutely. There is no hurdle in the smooth tradition of power in the State.” Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday formally accepted Mr. Siddaramaiah’s resignation as the Chief Minister.
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May 29, 2026 10:54
Former CM Siddaramaiah meets Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi
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May 29, 2026 10:29
Before relinquishing office, Siddaramaiah demolishes long-held myth linking Chamarajanagar visits to a Chief Minister’s fall from power
Before stepping down from office on Thursday, Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appeared to have decisively debunked a long-standing superstition that Chief Ministers who visit Chamarajanagar lose power.
For decades, successive Chief Ministers had avoided visiting Chamarajanagar town owing to the deeply entrenched belief that a visit would cost them the coveted post. The district’s perceived neglect and backwardness were often attributed to the reluctance of Chief Ministers to visit the region.
Mr. Siddaramaiah, however, consistently dismissed the superstition. Even during his earlier tenure as Chief Minister, he visited Chamarajanagar on several occasions without hesitation and successfully completed his full term in office, thereby demolishing the myth.
During his second tenure too, Mr. Siddaramaiah continued to tour different parts of the district regularly. Last year, he even convened a special Cabinet meeting at M.M. Hills, bringing the government’s focus sharply on development initiatives in the border district.
Read more on this here:
Before relinquishing office, Siddaramaiah demolishes long-held myth linking Chamarajanagar visits to a Chief Minister’s fall from power
Siddaramaiah debunks the myth linking visits to Chamarajanagar with losing power before stepping down as Karnataka's Chief Minister.
May 29, 2026 09:57
Karnataka Governor accepts Siddaramaiah’s resignation; Shivakumar to succeed
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday (May 29, 2026) accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who will now continue to be caretaker Chief Minister till his successor is appointed. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will succeed Mr. Siddaramaiah.
A communication from Lok Bhavan said that the resignation has been accepted and the Council of Ministers headed by Mr. Siddaramaiah has been dissolved.
Mr. Siddaramaiah tendered his one-line resignation to the special secretary of the Governor on Thursday (May 28, 2026), in the absence of Mr. Gehlot, who was away in Indore for personal reasons.
Published - May 29, 2026 09:56 am IST
