Siddaramaiah to Retain Official CM Residence as DK Shivakumar Set to Take Charge

In an unusual arrangement following Karnataka's leadership transition, outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to continue residing at the official chief ministerial bungalow, 'Cauvery', even after demitting office, while Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar is expected to function from a different residence.

The arrangement comes ahead of Shivakumar's swearing-in as Karnataka's next chief minister on June 3, marking the culmination of the Congress party's planned leadership transition in the state.

According to reports, Siddaramaiah will continue staying at the prestigious Cauvery bungalow, a move seen as reflecting his continued political influence within the Congress despite stepping down from the state's top post. This is also not the first time that the veteran leader has retained the residence after leaving office.

Power Transition Reflects Delicate Political Balance

The housing arrangement underscores the careful balancing act undertaken by the Congress leadership as it manages the transition from Siddaramaiah to Shivakumar. While Shivakumar has been elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party and is set to assume office as chief minister, the party has repeatedly emphasised that Siddaramaiah's experience and guidance will continue to play an important role in Karnataka politics.

Shivakumar has already announced that his oath-taking ceremony will be a low-key affair aimed at minimising traffic disruption and inconvenience to the public in Bengaluru. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan on June 3.

The leadership change follows Siddaramaiah's resignation last week after serving as chief minister since May 2023. The Governor subsequently accepted his resignation and dissolved the cabinet, paving the way for the formation of a new government under Shivakumar.

Congress leaders have sought to project the transition as a smooth and coordinated process, with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumarpublicly expressing mutual respect and commitment to the party's governance agenda in Karnataka.