Karnataka Governor Leaves for Indore as CM Resignation Looms

Karnataka Governor leaves for Indore as CM Siddaramaiah faces possible resignation. Get the latest updates on the political crisis.

Political uncertainty deepened in Karnataka on Thursday as the state’s Governor, Thawar Chand Gehlot, departed for Indore, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is still expected to tender his resignation despite the Governor’s absence.

Sources say Gehlot left Bengaluru around 10.30 pm on Wednesday on a flight to his hometown in Indore, citing a family medical emergency. He has not yet booked a return journey, leaving the Governor’s office vacant at a crucial moment.

Under the Constitution, a chief minister normally hands in his resignation directly to the Governor at Raj Bhavan. Yet constitutional experts point out that a resignation can still be communicated through official channels even if the Governor is not physically present in the state. Article 164(1) states that the chief minister is appointed by the Governor and holds office during the Governor’s pleasure, meaning the resignation only takes effect once the Governor accepts it.

Legal advisor AS Ponnanna, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, acknowledged that “some changes on the cards” are inevitable. He refused to specify the nature of the change, adding that the party would have to “wait and watch” to see how events unfold.

Senior Congress MLA T B Jayachandra reinforced the notion that the party high command is steering the process. He said a “big marathon meeting” had taken place yesterday, during which many issues were discussed, and that the high command’s directions would be implemented the following day.

Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar gathered outside his Bengaluru residence early Thursday, reflecting growing expectations that he could soon be elevated to the chief minister’s post. The gathering highlighted the mounting pressure on Siddaramaiah to step aside.

The leadership buzz intensified after top Congress leaders, including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, held a series of meetings with the party high command in New Delhi earlier this week. Those talks are believed to have set the stage for the current speculation.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is widely seen as the frontrunner to replace Siddaramaiah, according to multiple sources. His position as both deputy chief minister and state party president gives him a strong foothold in the internal power dynamics.

While the Governor’s absence adds a procedural twist, experts assert that the resignation can still be processed through the governor’s office in Bengaluru. Once accepted, the Governor would either invite another leader to form the government or appoint a caretaker administration.

Constitutional procedure dictates that the Governor, after accepting the resignation, will initiate the next steps—either appointing a caretaker ministry or inviting another leader to prove majority. The timing of that decision remains uncertain given the Governor’s current stay in Indore.

The political atmosphere in Bengaluru is charged, with party workers and supporters keenly watching every movement. The gathering outside Shivakumar’s house is a clear sign of the grassroots momentum building behind him.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah’s legal team remains tight‑lipped about the exact timing of the resignation. Their public comment has been limited to acknowledging the likelihood of change without providing a concrete timetable.

As the high command deliberates, the state’s administration faces a period of limbo. The potential transition could affect ongoing projects and welfare schemes, though no official statements have been made regarding policy continuity.

The coming days will reveal whether Siddaramaiah’s resignation is formalised and if D K Shivakumar steps into the chief minister’s shoes. Karnataka’s political future hangs on the high command’s next move.

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The analysis presented in this article is purely based on the author's understanding and opinions derived from various reliable sources. The author has reviewed multiple sources to present this analysis.

If any information is found to be incorrect or misleading, it is purely a mistake originating from the source material and the author shall not be held responsible for the same. The author is sharing personal analysis on the topic based on what the sources have reported.