D.K. Shivakumar Likely to Be Next Karnataka Chief Minister as Congress Finalises Leadership Transition

Bengaluru, May 2026 : Following the resignation of Siddaramaiah from the post of Karnataka Chief Minister, senior Congress leader and state minister H.K. Patil on Friday said that D.K. Shivakumar is set to take over as the next Chief Minister and is likely to be sworn in within the next two days.

Speaking to IANS, Patil indicated that the leadership transition within the Congress government in Karnataka has already been set in motion following discussions at the party’s central level.

“Shivakumar is already the Chief Minister-designate. Yesterday, when former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his thoughts and spoke about the discussions held in Delhi, he clearly stated that he had been advised to resign and that Shivakumar should be made the next Chief Minister. From that moment itself, it became clear that Shivakumar would be our next Chief Minister,” Patil said.

He added that the formal procedure for the transition would be completed through a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for Saturday. The meeting is expected to formally endorse the decision of the party high command.

“We have a procedure to follow. The CLP meeting will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m., where the High Command’s decision will be formally endorsed. Shivakumar is expected to be sworn in either the day after tomorrow or a day later,” he stated.

Patil also addressed questions related to caste dynamics and political equations in Karnataka, particularly the role of the OBC community in the leadership decision.

He said such discussions were unnecessary in the current context. “This question is not appropriate because Shivakumar has also fought for OBC causes. In a way, he is also partly connected to the OBC community. Therefore, such questions are neither relevant nor necessary,” Patil said.

Commenting on the resignation of Siddaramaiah, Patil praised the outgoing Chief Minister’s long-standing association with the Congress party and described his decision as a reflection of discipline and loyalty.

“This decision will definitely have an impact. Siddaramaiah has grown even taller politically. His historic decision and expression of loyalty to the party and leadership have surprised many of our opponents. Though we were confident he would take such a stand, the manner in which he displayed his commitment is truly notable and reflects his vast political experience,” Patil said.

He further clarified that Siddaramaiah would not continue in the state cabinet in any capacity after stepping down as Chief Minister. “No, how can he? After serving as Chief Minister for eight years and being such a tall leader, I do not think that question is relevant,” he added.

The leadership change comes in the backdrop of major political developments in the state. Following his resignation, Siddaramaiah travelled to New Delhi and met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath, where he was warmly received. Rahul Gandhi greeted him with a handshake and a hug, and the two leaders also posed for photographs.

Despite stepping down, Siddaramaiah has been asked by the party leadership to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until a formal transition is completed.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President and former Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has paid glowing tribute to Siddaramaiah, describing his political journey as one marked by resilience, perseverance, and commitment to social justice.

With the CLP meeting scheduled and the party high command’s decision expected to be formally ratified, Karnataka appears set for a leadership change that will mark a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.