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Chief Ministers of Karnataka
Chief Ministers of Karnataka are the head of the State Government. They are entrusted with executive powers and serve a 5 years term. The Chief Ministers of Karnataka, through the years, have played a crucial role in steering the state towards progress and development.

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Chief Ministers of KarnatakaThe political landscape of Karnataka has witnessed the leadership of various individuals since India became independent from colonial rule in 1947. The role of Chief Minister in the state is pivotal, holding the responsibility of steering the administrative machinery and implementing policies for the welfare of the populace. Post-Independence, Karnataka, then known as Mysore State, saw its first Chief Minister in the form of K. Chengalaraya Reddy, who assumed office in 1947. Over the years, the state has experienced shifts in political dynamics, with leaders from various parties taking charge of the Chief Minister`s office.

Power and Responsibilities:
The Chief Minister of Karnataka is vested with executive powers, overseeing the day-to-day administration and decision-making processes. Their role includes formulating policies, managing state finances, and addressing the diverse needs of the populace. As the head of the government, the Chief Minister plays a crucial role in coordinating with different departments to ensure effective governance.

List of Chief Ministers Since 1947:
Below is a comprehensive list of all the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, their tenures, and their respective political affiliations.

Chief Ministers Tenure Political Party
K. Chengalaraya Reddy 1947 - 1952 Indian National Congress
Kengal Hanumanthaiah 1952-1956 Indian National Congress
Kadidal Manjappa 1956 Indian National Congress
S. Nijalingappa 1956-1958 Indian National Congress
B.D. Jatti 1958- 1962 Indian National Congress
S. R. Kanthi 1962 Indian National Congress
S. Nijalingappa 1962- 1968 Indian National Congress
Veerendra Patil 1968-1971 Indian National Congress
Devaraj Urs 1972-1977 Indian National Congress
Devaraj Urs 1978- 1980 Indian National Congress
R. Gundu Rao 1980-1983 Indian National Congress
Ramakrishna Hegde 1983-1988 Janata Party
S. R. Bommai 1988-1989 Janata Party
Veerendra Patil 1989-1990 Indian National Congress
Sarekoppa Bangarappa 1990-1992 Indian National Congress
M. Veerappa Moily 1992-1994 Indian National Congress
H. D. Deve Gowda 1994-1996 Janata Dal
J. H. Patel 1996-1999 Janata Dal
S. M. Krishna 1999-2004 Indian National Congress
N. Dharam Singh 2004-2006 Indian National Congress
H. D. Kumaraswamy 2006-2007 Janata Dal (Secular)
B. S. Yediyurappa 2007 Bharatiya Janata Party
B. S. Yediyurappa 2008-2011 Bharatiya Janata Party
D. V. Sadananda Gowda 2011-2012 Bharatiya Janata Party
Jagadish Shettar 2012-2013 Bharatiya Janata Party
Siddaramaiah 2013-2018 Indian National Congress
H. D. Kumaraswamy 2018-2019 Janata Dal (Secular)
B. S. Yediyurappa 2019 - 2021 Bharatiya Janata Party
Basavaraj Bommai 2021 - 2023 Bharatiya Janata Party
Siddaramaiah 2023 (Incumbent) Indian National Congress


President`s Rule in Karnataka
In Karnataka`s political history, there have been instances when the state came under the direct governance of the President of India, bypassing the elected government. Such occurrences, commonly known as President`s Rule, are invoked under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution when the constitutional machinery in a state breaks down. Karnataka, too, has witnessed periods of President`s Rule, reflecting times of political instability or governance challenges.

Notable instances of President`s Rule in Karnataka include:
1977 - 1978: A period of political flux led to the imposition of President`s Rule, marking a phase of administrative transition and constitutional introspection.

1989: The state underwent another episode of President`s Rule during this period, emphasizing the need for constitutional intervention in the face of political uncertainties.

2007: Karnataka faced a spell of President`s Rule, reflecting the constitutional imperative to maintain law and order and uphold the principles of democratic governance.


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