Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to tender his resignation today, marking the end of his tenure following a Congress high command decision on leadership change. The move fulfills a reported 2½-year rotational agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, with Shivakumar positioned as the frontrunner to become the next CM.

Siddaramaiah, who recently became Karnataka's longest-serving chief minister, is under pressure from supporters to continue but stated he cannot override the high command's decision. The Congress leadership has reportedly offered him a soft exit, including a potential Rajya Sabha seat and a key national role in the backward classes committee. Additionally, his son is likely to receive a cabinet berth in the new government as part of the transition formula.

The Congress legislative party meeting is expected to be held today or tomorrow to elect the new leader, with Shivakumar likely to be sworn in by the weekend. This leadership shift aims to strengthen Congress's political footprint in southern India ahead of upcoming elections.