The chief minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, of the BJP, resigned on Saturday after his party lost the state assembly election. Bommai sent his letter of resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who accepted it.

Up until the next state government takes office, Bommai will continue to serve as caretaker chief minister.

Despite winning the Shiggaon district, Bommai was held accountable for the BJP's defeat in the state as Congress won a resounding 136 assembly seats.

"We must notice one thing. This time we got more than 36 per cent votes, higher than last time. No matter what analysis we do, a defeat is a defeat," Bommai said.

Hon. Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai Submitted resignation letter to Hon'ble Governor of Karnataka Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot at Rajbhavan today evening. pic.twitter.com/m2Mth9tsp7

— Thaawarchand Gehlot Office (@TcGehlotOffice) May 13, 2023

Despite the defeat in Assembly election, Bommai said this won't have any bearing on next year's general election. "In 8-10 months, we have Lok Sabha elections. We will work. This will not have any effect on Lok Sabha," he said.