Twist In Karnataka Power Play: Governor Flies To Mumbai As Siddaramaiah Weighs Exit

Last Updated:May 28, 2026, 08:29 IST

Karnataka faces possible leadership change as Siddaramaiah is expected to resign, DK Shivakumar is tipped to become chief minister, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot leaves for Mumbai

In a fresh twist to the ongoing Karnataka leadership saga, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot left for Mumbai late on Wednesday night amid intensifying speculation over a possible leadership change in the state.

Multiple reports have indicated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may soon step down, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over after months of intense power tussle and speculation over a leadership transition in Karnataka.

Governor Departs For Mumbai

The Governor departed for Mumbai a day after sources had indicated that Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with him today and was expected to hand over his resignation.

According to India Today, the Governor reportedly left Bengaluru around 11:30 pm on Wednesday because of a family emergency, and no return flight has been booked yet.

Sources said the Governor is likely to travel onward to Indore later on Thursday morning.

Will Siddaramaiah Resign Today?

Speculation around the political transition in Karnataka is rife, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to tender his resignation today, paving the way for DK Shivakumar to take over.

Siddaramaiah is still likely to submit his resignation to the Governor’s office, despite the Governor’s absence, as per India Today.

Today, all eyes are on the crucial breakfast meeting the chief minister will hold with the Cabinet ministers at his official residence ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru at 9 am, where he is likely to brief them and senior party leaders on his next move.

All state cabinet ministers and party MLAs, including Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, are expected to attend the meeting.

DK Shivakumar To Become Karnataka’s Next CM?

The ongoing political churn has reignited discussions around the long-speculated rotational chief ministership formula within the Karnataka Congress.

Notably, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had held a widely discussed “breakfast diplomacy" meeting in December 2025 amid similar buzz over a possible power-sharing arrangement.

However, from the past few days, sources have indicated an intensified power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with party insiders indicating that the Congress high command is working towards a “smooth transition of power".

In the backdrop of these reports, sources suggested that DK Shivakumar is likely to become the next chief minister of Karnataka, and he is expected to take an oath on Saturday (May 30).

Amid reports of Shivakumar taking over as next CM, his supporters celebrated in Ramanagara on Wednesday by shouting slogans, bursting crackers and distributing sweets.

Siddaramaiah To Go To Rajya Sabha Next?

According to reports, Congress may shift Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the Rajya Sabha after he tenders the resignation.

Addressing the speculations, Congress chief whip Ashok Pattan said that the chief minister might resign after 3 pm tomorrow. He also hinted that Siddaramaiah is not interested in accepting a position in the Rajya Sabha.

Since the Congress formed the government in Karnataka, political circles have remained abuzz with speculation over a possible rotational chief ministership arrangement between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.

While the party leadership has never publicly confirmed any power-sharing pact, rumours of a “2.5-year CM formula" have resurfaced repeatedly, especially during key meetings between Karnataka leaders and the Congress high command in Delhi.

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