NEW DELHI: Karnataka governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Friday accepted the resignation of chief minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru, dissolving the council of ministers with immediate effect, a day after the Congress leader stepped down following directions from the party high command. Siddaramaiah will, however, continue in office until alternative arrangements are made, according to an official order issued from Lok Bhavan.“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.The move clears the way for a leadership transition in the state, with Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar expected to take over as chief minister. The Congress leadership has intensified consultations in Delhi, where Shivakumar is scheduled to meet Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge to finalise government formation, including cabinet composition and organisational appointments.Key discussions will involve Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala, with decisions expected on Cabinet reshuffle, Rajya Sabha nominations and MLC candidates, ANI reported citing sources. Party insiders suggested several ministers from the outgoing Siddaramaiah cabinet may not be retained in the new dispensation.To ensure social and regional balance, the Congress is also considering appointing up to four Deputy Chief Ministers. Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, currently a member of the legislative council, is likely to be inducted into the new cabinet and may be given a significant portfolio to signal continuity of his father’s political legacy.The Congress legislative party meeting, seen largely as a procedural step, is expected to be scheduled shortly, after which the date for Shivakumar’s swearing-in ceremony will be announced.Shivakumar arrived in New Delhi late on Thursday night and briefly addressed reporters, saying, “The weather is bad today. My CM has landed in Jaipur. Lots of turbulence.”Earlier, Siddaramaiah’s flight to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur due to inclement weather, where he met former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with Randeep Surjewala. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said, “Had a warm meeting with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot at the Jaipur airport today.”The political reshuffle also comes ahead of Rajya Sabha elections, where the Congress is expected to secure two of the four seats from Karnataka and is in contention for a third, requiring additional support, according to party sources.
