Full List of Chief Ministers of Karnataka (CM List): have been really important in shaping how the state grows and changes. Karnataka used to be called Mysore State before it became Karnataka in 1956. Since then, different leaders have taken charge as Chief Minister, each leaving their mark on the state’s progress. Starting from K. Chengalaraya Reddy, who was the first Chief Minister after India got independence, to leaders like Siddaramaiah today, they’ve all faced different challenges and made decisions that affected things like schools, farms, roads, and programs to help people.
Basically, these leaders have all played a big part in making Karnataka what it is today, and each one brought something different to the table.
Full List of Chief Ministers of Karnataka
Karnataka used to be called Mysore State until 1956 when it became Karnataka because of a law called the States Reorganisation Act. K. Chengalaraya Reddy was the first Chief Minister after India became independent, and he served from 1947 to 1952.
Chief Ministers of Karnataka From 1947 to 2024, Complete list
Candidates can go through the list of Chief Ministers of Karnataka from 1947 to 2024
| Full List of Chief Ministers of Karnataka From 1947 to 2024 | ||
| Chief Ministers | From | To |
| Siddaramaiah | 20 May 2023 | Incumbent |
| Basavaraj Bommai | 28 Jul 2021 | 20 May 2023 |
| B. S. Yeddyurappa | 26 Jul 2019 | 26 Jul 2021 |
| H. D. Kumaraswamy | 23 May 2018 | 23 Jul 2019 |
| B. S. Yeddyurappa | 17 May 2018 | 23 May 2018 |
| Siddaramaiah | 13 May 2013 | 15 May 2018 |
| Jagadish Shettar | 12 Jul 2012 | 12 May 2013 |
| D. V. Sadananda Gowda | 04 Aug 2011 | 12 Jul 2012 |
| B. S. Yeddyurappa | 30 May 2008 | 31 Jul 2011 |
| President’s rule | 20 Nov 2007 | 27 May 2008 |
| B. S. Yeddyurappa | 12 Nov 2007 | 19 Nov 2007 |
| President’s rule | 09 Oct 2007 | 11 Nov 2007 |
| H. D. Kumaraswamy | 03 Feb 2006 | 08 Oct 2007 |
| Dharam Singh | 28 May 2004 | 28 Jan 2006 |
| S. M. Krishna | 11 Oct 1999 | 28 May 2004 |
| J. H. Patel | 31 May 1996 | 07 Oct 1999 |
| H. D. Deve Gowda | 11 Dec 1994 | 31 May 1996 |
| M. Veerappa Moily | 19 Nov 1992 | 11 Dec 1994 |
| S. Bangarappa | 17 Oct 1990 | 19 Nov 1992 |
| President’s rule | 10 Oct 1990 | 17 Oct 1990 |
| Veerendra Patil | 30 Nov 1989 | 10 Oct 1990 |
| President’s rule | 21 Apr 1989 | 30 Nov 1989 |
| S. R. Bommai | 13 Aug 1988 | 21 Apr 1989 |
| Ramakrishna Hegde | 16 Feb 1986 | 10 Aug 1988 |
| Ramakrishna Hegde | 08 Mar 1985 | 13 Feb 1986 |
| Ramakrishna Hegde | 10 Jan 1983 | 29 Dec 1984 |
| R. Gundu Rao | 12 Jan 1980 | 06 Jan 1983 |
| D. Devaraj Urs | 28 Feb 1978 | 07 Jan 1980 |
| President’s rule | 31 Dec 1977 | 28 Feb 1978 |
| D. Devaraj Urs | 20 Mar 1972 | 31 Dec 1977 |
| President’s rule | 19 Mar 1971 | 20 Mar 1972 |
| Veerendra Patil | 29 May 1968 | 18 Mar 1971 |
| S. Nijalingappa | 21 Jun 1962 | 28 May 1968 |
| S. R. Kanthi | 14 Mar 1962 | 20 Jun 1962 |
| B. D. Jatti | 16 May 1958 | 09 Mar 1962 |
| S. Nijalingappa | 01 Nov 1956 | 16 May 1958 |
| Kadidal Manjappa | 19 Aug 1956 | 31 Oct 1956 |
| K. Hanumanthaiah | 30 Mar 1952 | 19 Aug 1956 |
| K. Chengalaraya Reddy (K.C. Reddy) | 25 Oct 1947 | 30 Mar 1952 |
First Chief Ministers of Karnataka
K. Chengalaraya Reddy (K.C. Reddy) was a really important person in Karnataka’s history. He fought hard for India’s freedom from British rule and was born on February 10, 1901, in Kolar. Because of his dedication and leadership, he became the first Chief Minister of Karnataka after independence.
During his time as Chief Minister, he worked really hard to make sure things like schools, farms, and helping people were taken care of. His work laid the foundation for Karnataka to grow and improve even more in the future. People still remember Chengalaraya Reddy today for all he did to make Karnataka better and for his commitment to freedom and progress.
Current Chief Ministers of Karnataka
Siddaramaiah, also known as Siddu, is a big name in Karnataka politics. He’s been the Chief Minister twice, first from 2013 to 2018 and now from 2023. That’s a rare feat, being the only second person to complete a full five-year term as Chief Minister in Karnataka. He’s from the Indian National Congress and leads their team in the state assembly.
He’s represented different areas in the state assembly over the years, starting way back in the 1980s. He’s also been Deputy Chief Minister before. When not in power, he’s been the main opposition voice in the assembly too. So, Siddaramaiah has been a key figure in Karnataka politics for a long time, switching between different parties but always staying in the limelight.
Election Process of Chief Ministers of Karnataka
- The election of the Chief Minister in Karnataka is based on a parliamentary system.
- The leader of the majority party in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly is invited by the Governor to form the government.
- The leader is chosen through internal party processes or selection mechanisms established by the political party.
- After general elections, members of the Legislative Assembly vote for the leader of their respective parties.
- The party with the majority of seats forms the government, and its leader becomes the Chief Minister.
- In cases of no clear majority, alliances or coalitions may be formed to establish a majority.
- The leader of the coalition with the majority is invited to take office as the Chief Minister.
- The Chief Minister is sworn in by the Governor, formally assuming office.
- The Chief Minister remains in power as long as they maintain the confidence of the majority in the Legislative Assembly.
- A vote of no confidence or failure to pass crucial legislation may lead to resignation or a call for fresh elections.
List of Chief Ministers of Karnataka Important Facts
- B.S. Yediyurappa: He holds the record for the shortest tenure as Chief Minister in 2018, serving for only 2.5 days.
- D. Devaraj Urs: He served as the Chief Minister for nearly seven years in the 1970s, making him the longest-serving CM in Karnataka’s history.
- Ramakrishna Hegde: He holds the distinction of serving the most number of terms, which were three, and these terms were not consecutive.
- Veerendra Patil: He had the largest gap between his two terms as Chief Minister, spanning about 17 years.
- B. D. Jatti: In addition to his role as Chief Minister, he also served as the fifth Vice President of India.
- H. D. Deve Gowda: He deliberately shortened his term as Chief Minister (1994–1996) to become India’s Prime Minister