Will Siddaramaiah Resign Despite Guv Gehlot’s Absence? Karnataka Buzz Intensifies After Breakfast Meet

Speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka intensified on Thursday after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hosted a breakfast meeting for cabinet colleagues at his official residence, Kaveri, in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, widely seen as a frontrunner for the top post if a change takes place, attended the meeting along with several senior ministers and legislators.

Pictures released from the meeting quickly grabbed attention, with one showing Siddaramaiah embracing Shivakumar, while another showed Shivakumar touching the Chief Minister's feet and seeking his blessings. The visuals further fuelled political speculation that the Congress leadership could be preparing for a transition in the state.

Reports of Siddaramaiah potentially stepping down have gained momentum following discussions within the Congress high command. Sources indicate that the party leadership has asked the veteran leader to make way for a change in leadership and offered him a larger role at the national level along with a possible Rajya Sabha berth. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Congress on any leadership change.

Adding to the suspense, Siddaramaiah had reportedly sought an appointment with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. However, Raj Bhavan sources said the Governor is currently out of Bengaluru on a personal visit to Indore.

Can Siddaramaiah Resign in Governor's Absence?

In a late-night development on Wednesday, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot left Bengaluru for Indore via Mumbai on a personal visit following reports of his wife's deteriorating health.

With the Governor currently away from the State, questions were raised about whether the Chief Minister could submit his resignation in the Governor's absence. Constitutional experts pointed out that while a resignation letter can be submitted through the Governor's office, formal acceptance requires the Governor's presence.

Governor may communicate his decision remotely from Indore and can later hold formal discussions with Siddaramaiah after returning to Bengaluru. Constitutionally, a Chief Minister's resignation takes effect only after it is accepted by the Governor.

As the constitutional head of the State, the Governor's authority is linked to the office and not restricted to a physical location. This means Gehlot can continue to clear administrative matters and approve official documents even while outside Karnataka.

The breakfast meeting at Kaveri saw the participation of several senior ministers including Satish Jarkiholi, M B Patil, Eshwar Khandre, Santosh Lad, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, H K Patil and others. A number of MLAs were also present.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, attempted to calm the growing speculation. Speaking in Bengaluru on Wednesday, he clarified that no Congress Legislature Party meeting had been called and no decision had been taken regarding leadership change. He urged the media and party workers not to indulge in speculation.

The political developments come amid renewed discussion around the reported "rotational chief minister formula" within the Congress after the party formed the government in May 2023. At the time, Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar was made Deputy Chief Minister after intense negotiations. Though reports suggested a power-sharing arrangement for the chief minister's post after two-and-a-half years, the party never officially confirmed such an agreement.

Supporters of Shivakumar celebrated in several parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru and Ramanagara, amid reports that he may soon take over as Chief Minister. On the other hand, supporters of Siddaramaiah gathered outside his residence and raised slogans urging him to continue in office.

The Karnataka State Federation of Backward Class Communities also warned the Congress leadership against replacing Siddaramaiah, saying the party came to power due to the support of backward classes, minorities and Dalits under the AHINDA social coalition. Federation leaders cautioned that removing Siddaramaiah could trigger protests across the state.

The Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025, and speculation around a possible leadership transition has intensified ever since. However, with no official announcement yet from the party leadership, uncertainty continues over whether Karnataka is set to get a new Chief Minister in the coming days.