Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday confirmed that he will resign as Chief Minister of Karnataka, marking a decisive end to a prolonged leadership tussle within the state unit that has, at times, strained relations with his deputy DK Shivakumar. The announcement came during a breakfast meeting held at Siddaramaiah’s Bengaluru residence, following nearly 48 hours of backchannel consultations and meetings with senior Congress leaders in New Delhi.

Reports suggested that during these discussions, the outgoing Chief Minister was offered a political rehabilitation package, including a Rajya Sabha seat, as part of efforts to facilitate a smooth transition. The development triggered immediate reactions from supporters of DK Shivakumar, who reportedly gathered outside his residence in celebration, distributing sweets and raising slogans following news of Siddaramaiah’s decision.

The announcement is seen as a significant political turning point in Karnataka, ending months of renewed speculation over a long-debated power-sharing arrangement. The breakfast meeting itself was marked by symbolic gestures, with both leaders sharing traditional Karnataka dishes including masala dosa, idli, sambar, chutney, and kesaribath. The meeting began with an embrace between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, followed by Shivakumar reportedly bending to touch Siddaramaiah’s feet in a gesture of respect—moments widely noted in political circles tracking the evolving equation between the two leaders.

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The leadership dispute between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been a recurring theme since the Congress victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. It has been fuelled by an alleged but never formally acknowledged power-sharing understanding, which suggested Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister for the first 2.5 years before handing over the role to Shivakumar. However, the transition had remained contested amid internal party pressures and competing claims.

While Siddaramaiah’s resignation appears to clear the path for Shivakumar’s elevation, uncertainty remains over his next political role. He is reportedly inclined to complete his tenure as MLA from Varuna, his long-standing constituency, and may continue focusing on preparations for the 2028 state elections before considering any shift to national politics.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah Not Interested In Rajya Sabha Seat, May Continue As MLA: Sources