Siddaramaiah to Resign as Karnataka CM; Celebrations at Shivakumar Residence

Bengaluru (IANS): Supporters erupted in celebration at the residence of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, on Thursday after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his decision to resign during a high-profile breakfast meeting at his official residence, ‘Kaveri.’

Following the development, a massive crowd of Shivakumar’s supporters and fans gathered outside his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru. The crowd chanted slogans in his favour, distributed sweets, and celebrated amid intense speculation that Shivakumar would become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Large numbers of police and security personnel were deployed at the residence to manage the swelling crowd and maintain law and order.

Sources said that while announcing his resignation to his Cabinet colleagues, Siddaramaiah discussed the state’s financial condition, challenges in implementing the government’s guarantee schemes, and the need to continue welfare programs.

According to sources, Siddaramaiah informed the ministers that the Congress high command had told him that D.K. Shivakumar would succeed him as Chief Minister. Members of the Council of Ministers reportedly voiced their consent and support following the announcement.

Siddaramaiah also urged his Cabinet colleagues to continue delivering good governance and welfare programs to the state’s citizens.

Sources stated that Siddaramaiah maintained his composure during the announcement. However, after concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister reportedly grew emotional. “I am satisfied with the work that I have done,” he told his colleagues.

Several ministers close to Siddaramaiah, including Labour Minister Santosh Lad, also grew emotional during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar returned to his residence after the meeting. Sources close to him said he plans to visit the Nonavinakere Mutt with his daughter to seek the blessings of seer Ajjayya Swamiji and discuss an auspicious time for the swearing-in ceremony.

Authorities have also tightened security at Lok Bhavan ahead of Siddaramaiah’s scheduled arrival to submit his resignation. Security forces have installed barricades around the premises and senior officials have stepped up arrangements.

Lok Bhavan Secretary R. Prabhushankar has arrived at the premises. Siddaramaiah will hand over his resignation letter to him because Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot is currently in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, due to a personal emergency.

In a major political shift on Thursday, Siddaramaiah announced his decision to tender his resignation during the breakfast meeting he hosted at ‘Kaveri.’

The official statement from the CM’s office noted: “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will visit Lok Bhavan today at 2.30 P.M. Later, at 3 P.M., he will address a press conference at his other official residence, ‘Krishna’.”

State Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil further confirmed the news while leaving the breakfast meeting, stating, “CM is going to Raj Bhavan. CM Siddaramaiah will make Shivakumar the new CM.”