Race for the top spot in Karnataka: Timeline

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, left, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at Indira Bhavan ahead of consultations with the Congress leadership, in New Delhi on May 26, 2026. | Photo credit: The Hindu

After months of speculation and uncertainty, political shadow-boxing, several trips to Delhi and a series of diplomatic breakfast and dinner meetings, Siddaramaiah finally announced his decision to step down as Chief Minister of Karnataka on 28 May 2026.

A central figure in Karnataka politics since the mid-1980s, Siddaramaiah navigated the state’s complex political landscape through carefully crafted social alliances and a pro-welfare and inclusive governance model.

Karnataka Politics LIVE

Siddaramaiah is the third Karnataka CM to complete a full five-year term and return to lead the state for a second, though non-consecutive, term which was eventually cut short. Since 1947, only three Chief Ministers – Nijalingappa (Congress, 1962–1968), Devaraj Urs (Congress, 1972–1977) and Siddaramaiah (Congress, 2013–2018) have completed their entire tenure. The state has seen President’s Rule six times.

Compared to the first term, his second term from May 2023 to May 2026 was marked by an ongoing power struggle with Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar, with the Congress high command intervening several times.

Here is a timeline of his tenure, which was marred by controversy and internal divisions and dissidents.

Published – 28 May 2026 12:25 PM IST