Siddaramaiah resignation: Tracing his long political history

Siddaramaiah’s two terms as Chief Minister differed significantly in terms of political authority and administrative control. During his first term, he emerged as the undisputed leader of the Congress in Karnataka. | Photo credit: MURALI KUMAR K

Political careers rarely follow a linear trajectory, and Siddaramaiah’s public life, spanning nearly five decades, has been marked by dramatic twists and turns, culminating in him surpassing D. Devaraj Urs as Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister.

A central figure in Karnataka politics since the mid-1980s, Siddaramaiah announced his resignation as chief minister on 28 May 2026. Over the decades, he has navigated the state’s complex political landscape through carefully crafted social alliances and a welfare-oriented and inclusive governance model.

Published – 28 May 2026 12:15 PM IST