List of Former Chief Ministers of Karnataka

The state of Karnataka, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse populace, has been a melting pot of political ideologies and leadership over the years. The Chief Ministers who have helmed the state have left indelible marks on its socio-economic landscape, shaping its trajectory of progress and development. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the contributions and legacies of the former Chief Ministers of Karnataka.

Chief Ministers of Karnataka

Since India’s independence in 1947, Karnataka has witnessed 24 Chief Ministers, beginning with K. Chengalaraya Reddy. The state, originally named Mysore, was renamed Karnataka on November 1, 1973. Devaraj Urs served as the first and longest-serving Chief Minister, with a tenure of seven years starting in 1970. H. D. Deve Gowda, Karnataka’s Chief Minister, later became India’s 11th Prime Minister. B. D. Jatti, another former Chief Minister, served as India’s 5th Vice President. B. S. Yediyurappa, the first BJP Chief Minister, ranks as the fourth longest-serving CM. Karnataka experienced Presidents rule six times briefly. Major ruling parties include INC, BJP, JDS, and JNP.

Inaugural Chief Minister of Karnataka

After India gained independence in 1947, K.C. Reddy emerged as a prominent figure in the Mysore Chalo movement, advocating for self-governance in Mysore. His activism led to his appointment as the inaugural Chief Minister of Karnataka State, a role he held from 1947 to 1952. Throughout his term, Reddy concentrated on establishing the foundations of governance, emphasizing agricultural improvements, rural progress, and infrastructure development.

Current Chief Minister of Karnataka

Siddaramaiah, born on August 3, 1947, and affectionately known as Siddu, is an Indian politician currently serving as the 24th Chief Minister of Karnataka since 2023. His tenure focuses on governance reforms, social welfare programs, and economic development, marking a continuation of his longstanding political career in the state.

Longest Serving Chief Minister of Karnataka

Devaraj Arasu, Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister, held office for an impressive seven-year term starting in 1970. His leadership was characterized by significant reforms and developmental initiatives, shaping the state’s socio-economic landscape during a transformative period. Arasu’s enduring legacy underscores his pivotal role in Karnataka’s governance and progress.

List of Former Chief Ministers of Karnataka

Since India’s independence in 1947, Karnataka has witnessed 24 Chief Ministers, beginning with K. Chengalaraya Reddy.

Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of Karnataka:

Former Chief Ministers of Karnataka
S. No.	Name	From	To
1.	K. Chengalaraya Reddy	25 Oct 1947	30 Mar 1952
2.	K. Hanumanthaiah	30 Mar 1952	19 Aug 1956
3.	Kadidal Manjappa	19 Aug 1956	31 Oct 1956
4.	S. Nijalingappa	01 Nov 1956	16 May 1958
5.	B. D. Jatti	16 May 1958	09 Mar 1962
6.	S.R. Kanthi	14 Mar 1962	20 Jun 1962
7.	S. Nijalingappa	21 Jun 1962	28 May 1968
8.	Veerendra Patil	29 May 1968	18 Mar 1971
9.	President’s Rule	19 Mar 1971	20 Mar 1972
10.	D. Devraj Urs	20 Mar 1972	31 Dec 1977
11.	President’s Rule	31 Dec 1977	28 Feb 1978
12.	D. Devraj Urs	28 Feb 1978	07 Jan 1980
13.	R. Gundu Rao	12 Jan 1980	06 Jan 1983
14.	Ramakrishna Hegde	10 Jan 1983	29 Dec 1984
15.	Ramakrishna Hegde	08 Mar 1985	13 Feb 1986
16.	Ramakrishna Hegde	16 Feb 1986	10 Aug 1988
17.	S. R. Bommai	13 Aug 1988	21 Apr 1989
18.	President’s Rule	21 Apr 1989	30 Nov 1989
19.	Veerendra Patil	30 Nov 1989	10 Oct 1990
20.	President’s Rule	10 Oct 1990	17 Oct 1990
21.	S. Bangarapaa	17 Oct 1990	19 Nov 1992
22.	M. Veerappa Moily	19 Nov 1992	11 Dec 1994
23.	H. D. Deve Gowda	11 Dec 1994	31 May 1996
24.	J. H. Patel	31 May 1996	07 Oct 1999
25.	S.M. Krishna	11 Oct 1999	29 may 2004
26.	Dharam Singh	29 May 2004	28 Jan 2006
27.	H. D. Kumaraswamy	03 Feb 2006	08 Oct 2007
28.	President’s Rule	09 Oct 2007	11 Nov 2007
29.	B.S. Yeddyurappa	12 Nov 2007	19 Nov 2007
30.	President’s Rule	20 Nov 2007	27 May 2008
31.	B.S. Yeddyurappa	30 May 2008	31 Jul 2011
32.	D.V. Sadananda Gowda	04 Aug 2011	12 Jul 2012
33.	Jagadish Shettar	12 Jul 2012	12 May 2013
34.	Siddaramaiah	13 May 2013	15 May 2018
35.	B.S. Yeddyurappa	17 May 2018	23 May 2018
36.	H.D. Kumaraswamy	23 May 2018	23 Jul 2019
37.	B.S. Yeddyurappa	26 Jul 2019	28 Jul 2021
38.	Basavaraj Bommai	28 Jul 2021	15 May 2023
39.	Siddaramaiah	20 May 2023	Incumbent

Functions of a Chief Minister

The Chief Minister of a state in India holds a pivotal role in governance, with key functions including:

• Executive Leadership: The Chief Minister serves as the head of the state government, providing executive leadership and direction to the administration.
• Policy Formulation: They play a crucial role in formulating policies and programs for the state, addressing various socio-economic issues, and ensuring effective governance.
• Cabinet Head: The Chief Minister heads the Council of Ministers, overseeing their functioning and coordinating policy decisions.
• Legislative Responsibilities: They represent the state government in the state legislature, formulating and presenting bills, and participating in debates and discussions.
• Administration Oversight: The Chief Minister is responsible for supervising the functioning of various government departments and agencies, ensuring efficient delivery of public services.
• Budgetary Allocation: They play a key role in the preparation and presentation of the state budget, allocating funds for different sectors based on priorities and requirements.
• Law and Order: Ensuring law and order in the state is another crucial function of the Chief Minister, working closely with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security.
• Interstate Relations: The Chief Minister represents the state in interstate meetings and negotiations, fostering cooperation and coordination with other states on various issues.
• Constituency Representation: They represent the interests of their constituency and constituents, addressing their grievances and concerns through various channels.
• Crisis Management: During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or emergencies, the Chief Minister plays a central role in coordinating relief and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens.