Karnataka Governor Gehlot Accepts Siddaramaiah's Resignation, Dissolves Cabinet

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and dissolved the Council of Ministers, while asking Siddaramaiah to stay on as caretaker. The move follows directions from the Congress leadership, which is preparing to install DK Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister and overhaul the Karnataka government structure, party sources said.

The Raj Bhavan order confirmed that the resignation and dissolution took effect immediately but preserved continuity in governance. It stated, "In exercise of the powers conferred on me under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India, I, THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT, Governor of Karnataka, have accepted the resignation of Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him with immediate effect. Siddaramaiah shall continue to function as Chief Minister till alternative arrangements are made," the official order stated.

Karnataka government transition talks in Delhi

Congress leaders have moved quickly to shape the next Karnataka government, with DK Shivakumar scheduled to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. According to party sources, Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala are expected to join these talks, which will centre on cabinet reshuffle plans and key political appointments.

Sources said the discussions on the Karnataka government would focus on the new cabinet, selection of Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council candidates, and power-sharing formulas. Several ministers from the outgoing Siddaramaiah team are unlikely to find a place in the proposed DK Shivakumar-led cabinet, the sources added, indicating a significant reset of ministerial positions.

Karnataka government plans for Deputy CMs and legacy

To balance caste and regional interests within the Karnataka government, party insiders indicated that four Deputy Chief Ministers could be appointed. Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra, who is a Member of the Legislative Council, is expected to join the new ministry. Sources said Yathindra may receive a major portfolio to project continuity for Siddaramaiah's political legacy during the transition.

On the electoral front linked to the Karnataka government changes, Congress is confident of winning two of the four Rajya Sabha seats from the state. The party also believes it has an advantage on the third seat, where it needs some extra votes, sources said. The selection of Rajya Sabha and MLC candidates will be taken up alongside cabinet formation talks in Delhi.

Shivakumar reached Karnataka Bhavan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, late on Thursday, as negotiations around the new Karnataka government intensified. Speaking to reporters about travel disruptions affecting the leadership’s schedule, Shivakumar said, "The weather is bad today. My CM has landed in Jaipur. Lots of turbulence." Adverse conditions over north India affected flights carrying senior Congress leaders.

Siddaramaiah's aircraft, which was heading to Delhi for meetings on the Karnataka government transition, was diverted to Jaipur due to bad weather. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Siddaramaiah and Randeep Surjewala at Jaipur airport, according to Ashok Gehlot's Office. Later, Siddaramaiah wrote on X, "Had a warm meeting with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot at the Jaipur airport today."

Party sources said the Congress Legislative Party meeting in Karnataka, seen largely as a formality, will be scheduled after these consultations on the new Karnataka government conclude. Once that meeting is held, the date for DK Shivakumar's swearing-in as Chief Minister of Karnataka will be finalised, bringing the leadership change, cabinet reshuffle and legislative choices into a single coordinated exercise.

With inputs from ANI