On May 28, 2026, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation, marking a notable moment in Karnataka's political history after nearly five decades of public service. During a breakfast meeting with his Cabinet in Bengaluru, he shared his decision, which Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao later confirmed. After the meeting, Siddaramaiah went to the Governor's office to formally submit his resignation to Prabhushankar, the Governor's special secretary, since Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was unavailable due to a private trip.
At a press conference that followed, Siddaramaiah looked back on his political journey and expressed gratitude to leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. He pointed to his administration's accomplishments, claiming it had delivered on its promises and guarantees. Yet, he took aim at the opposition and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of spreading misinformation about his government, especially regarding the state's revenue deficit, which he blamed on the central government's financial mismanagement.
Even as he steps down, Siddaramaiah pledged to stay involved in state politics, promising to fight against communal forces until his last breath. "The Constitution is against all such communal forces. I believe in the Constitution," he said, reaffirming his dedication to democratic principles. He also mentioned that he had turned down an offer to enter national politics, choosing instead to concentrate on Karnataka.
During the breakfast meeting, Siddaramaiah informed his Cabinet that the Congress High Command had requested his resignation. He recognized the support of his ministers while reflecting on the challenges and successes of his second term. Sources within the Congress party indicated that a Legislative Party meeting would likely occur on May 29, 2026, to discuss his successor. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, a strong contender for the role, has long sought the position, especially after the Congress regained power in the 2023 Assembly elections.
Siddaramaiah's political journey has been marked by notable accomplishments and a focus on social welfare. He has played a significant role in Karnataka politics since the mid-1980s, known for his talent in building social alliances and promoting inclusive governance. He holds the title of Karnataka's longest-serving Chief Minister, surpassing D. Devaraj Urs.
In his final address as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah quoted the late Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar, who referred to his fans as "abhimani devaru" or "fan gods." He stated, "I am a politician. Constitution is my religion, and voters are my abhimani devaru." He reiterated his commitment to fostering an equitable society, emphasizing that both of his administrations aimed to provide equal opportunities for all citizens.
On fiscal issues, Siddaramaiah criticized the previous BJP-led government for leaving the state with a revenue deficit of ₹19,500 crore. He noted that the Union Government had withheld ₹11,495 crore in grants due to Karnataka and had not released ₹5,300 crore designated for the Upper Bhadra project. He defended his administration's financial choices, asserting that Karnataka continues to lead in per capita income and GST collections, with a GDP growth rate of 8.1% this year, compared to the national average of 7.1%.
As he departs, Siddaramaiah leaves behind a legacy of welfare schemes, having fulfilled 158 out of 168 promises made in 2013 and over 300 out of more than 550 promises in the 2023 manifesto. He has also allocated over ₹1.4 lakh crore to guarantee schemes during his time in office.
With Siddaramaiah's resignation, Karnataka's political landscape is set for change as the Congress party prepares to choose a new leader to steer the state ahead.
