Karnataka Political Shake-Up: Governor Accepts Siddaramaiah’s Resignation, Cabinet Dissolved

Bengaluru, May 2026 : In a major political development in Karnataka, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday formally accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him, bringing an official end to his current tenure as Chief Minister.

According to the official proceedings issued from Raj Bhavan on May 29, Siddaramaiah had submitted his resignation letter dated May 28, stepping down from the office of Chief Minister of Karnataka. Acting under constitutional provisions, the Governor accepted the resignation with immediate effect.

The notification stated that in exercise of powers under Article 164(1) of the Constitution of India, the Governor had accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation and consequently dissolved the Council of Ministers led by him. The order marked a complete administrative reset of the state government structure.

In a separate communication addressed directly to Siddaramaiah, Governor Gehlot acknowledged the resignation and directed that the outgoing Chief Minister continue to function in a caretaker capacity until alternative arrangements were made. The letter further clarified that no major executive decisions should be taken during this interim period.

The Governor’s message read: “I have accepted the resignation tendered by you with immediate effect. Until alternative arrangements are made, kindly continue as caretaker Chief Minister. It is needless to state that no executive decisions shall be taken during this period.”

An additional notification issued by Raj Bhavan reiterated the same position, confirming both the acceptance of the resignation and the dissolution of the Council of Ministers with immediate effect. The communication was also forwarded to senior state officials, including Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh through Special Secretary to the Governor R. Prabhu Shankar.

In his brief resignation letter, Siddaramaiah had simply stated, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. Kindly accept it.” The letter formally concluded his tenure as the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister in recent political history.

The development followed Siddaramaiah’s resignation submission at Raj Bhavan on Thursday, which he described as being in accordance with the instructions of the Congress high command. Speaking earlier, he had said he remained committed to the party’s internal decisions and would abide by directives from senior leadership.

Addressing the media, Siddaramaiah explained the circumstances surrounding his resignation. He said he had submitted the letter to the Governor’s Secretary as the Governor was not present in Bengaluru at the time. He added that he had been informed of the Governor’s travel schedule and chose to proceed with the formal submission accordingly.

“I have always maintained, both inside and outside the Assembly, that whenever the high command directs me, I will tender my resignation. Two days ago, the high command asked me to step down and, keeping my word, I have submitted my resignation,” he said.

Despite stepping down, Siddaramaiah asserted that the ruling party still commanded a strong majority in the Assembly with the support of 138 MLAs and additional backing. He also said the Governor would facilitate the appointment of the next Chief Minister to ensure continuity in governance.

Amid the unfolding political transition, Governor Gehlot’s absence from Bengaluru earlier in the week had already triggered speculation. He had reportedly travelled to Mumbai and later to Indore in Madhya Pradesh, citing a family medical emergency, according to official sources.

The Governor’s return and subsequent acceptance of the resignation have now formally set in motion the process of leadership transition in Karnataka, with the Congress leadership expected to announce its next Chief Ministerial choice shortly.

The state now awaits the next phase of political decision-making as the ruling party moves to finalise a new leadership structure.

Team Maverick