Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down, during a breakfast hosted at his residence, official sources told PTI on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar is likely to replace him after months of speculation over a possible leadership transition in the state.The decision came after a series of meetings between Karnataka leaders and the Congress top brass in Delhi over the past week. Senior party leaders held meetings with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar before finalising the leadership change.The critical breakfast meeting called by Siddaramiah got underway on Thursday as the state braced for imminent transition in leadership. During the meet, Shivakumar was seen touching Siddaramaiah's in a show of respect.The move marks end of the long-running power tussle within the Karnataka Congress that began immediately after the party returned to power in the 2023 Assembly elections.After Congress defeated the BJP in Karnataka in 2023, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had both emerged as strong contenders for the chief minister’s post. While Siddaramaiah was eventually chosen as chief minister, Shivakumar was appointed deputy CM after days of negotiations in Delhi.Since then, speculation over a possible rotational chief minister arrangement had continued to dominate Karnataka politics, though Congress never officially confirmed such an agreement.Over the past few months, leaders aligned with both camps repeatedly made public statements backing either Siddaramaiah or Shivakumar, turning the succession issue into one of the biggest internal challenges for the Congress leadership.The issue had intensified again in recent weeks as the Karnataka government approached the halfway mark of its tenure, reviving political chatter over whether Congress would eventually hand over the leadership to Shivakumar.As per media reports, the transition is expected to see a cabinet reshuffle and organisational changes within the Karnataka Congress as the party attempts to balance competing factions in the state unit.Lok Bhavan officials have said that Siddaramaiah has not sought time to meet state Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. The officials said that Gehlot is in his home town, Indore, in Madhya Pradesh.When asked whether the chief minister has sought time to meet Gehlot, a top Lok Bhavan official told PTI, "His Excellency is not here. There is no such information. As of now, there is no such message or information".According to the official, once the Governor arrives, Siddaramaiah will have to meet him.To a question whether the CM can hand over the resignation to the Lok Bhavan secretary, the official said Siddaramaiah "can do that, if he wishes."When asked whether it is as valid as handing it over to the Governor, the official had said, "Yes. Then, when His Excellency arrives, he will confirm it. His Excellency may again ask him (Siddaramaiah) to come and submit it in person, depending on the procedure".