Karnataka GK: All Chief Ministers, Tenures & Flagship Schemes

A GK-first reference to every Chief Minister from the Mysore era (1947–1973) to Karnataka (1973–present), with clear tenure dates and exam-ready notes. If you’re searching for general knowledge karnataka, this page highlights flagship schemes, governance milestones, and crisp one-liners that frequently appear in KPSC, KSP, FDA/SDA, Group-C and KAS questions. Use the timeline to revise fast, connect CMs to sectors impacted (education, health, agriculture, infrastructure), and spot PYQ-style patterns. Ideal for last-minute revision, quick fact checks, and creating flashcards for high-yield topics.

Static GK • Tenure Timeline • Scheme One-Liners • Exam Angles

K. C. Reddy — First Chief Minister (Mysore State)

Tenure: 25 Oct 1947 – 30 Mar 1952 • ≈ 4 years 5 months

After Independence, the princely state of Mysore adopted responsible government and K. C. Reddy became its first head of government. Until 26 Jan 1950 the post was called “Prime Minister of Mysore,” and thereafter “Chief Minister” under the Constitution. Bengaluru served as the capital while the early cabinet laid foundations for administration and development. The state was later expanded on 1 Nov 1956 and renamed “Karnataka” on 1 Nov 1973.

Exam Pointers

  • First CM (Mysore State): K. C. Reddy (Indian National Congress).
  • Office title shift: “Prime Minister” → “Chief Minister” on 26 Jan 1950.
  • Capital during his tenure: Bengaluru (Bangalore).
  • Successor: Kengal Hanumanthaiah (took office on 30 Mar 1952).
  • State reorganisation: 1 Nov 1956; Renaming to “Karnataka”: 1 Nov 1973.

Kengal Hanumanthaiah — Chief Minister (Mysore State)

Tenure: 30 Mar 1952 – 19 Aug 1956 • ≈ 4 years 5 months

A pivotal post-Independence leader, Kengal guided Mysore State through a phase of institution-building and public works. He is closely associated with the creation of the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, a symbol of democratic governance and Kannada identity. His administration emphasized infrastructure, education, and administrative consolidation that later supported statewide unification efforts. He was succeeded shortly before the 1956 reorganization of states.

Exam Pointers

  • Party: Indian National Congress; Second Chief Minister of Mysore State.
  • Vidhana Soudha: construction completed during his tenure (inaugurated 1956); landmark of state legislature.
  • Known for strong advocacy of Kannada identity and support for unification of Kannada-speaking regions.
  • Successor: Kadidal Manjappa (served immediately before the 1 Nov 1956 reorganization).
  • Remember sequence: K. C. Reddy → Kengal Hanumanthaiah → Kadidal Manjappa → S. Nijalingappa (post-reorganization).

Kadidal Manjappa — Chief Minister (Mysore State)

Tenure: 19 Aug 1956 – 31 Oct 1956 • ≈ 2.5 months

Kadidal Manjappa assumed office after Kengal Hanumanthaiah’s resignation and led Mysore State through the crucial pre-unification weeks of 1956. His short ministry coincided with the completion and inauguration year of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. He resigned ahead of the statewide unification on 1 November 1956, after which S. Nijalingappa became Chief Minister of the enlarged Mysore State. This period links the end of the “old Mysore” cabinets with the post-unification political setup.

Exam Pointers

  • Took office after Kengal Hanumanthaiah; served briefly in 1956.
  • Vidhana Soudha was completed and inaugurated in 1956 during this period.
  • Resigned just before Unification (1 Nov 1956) → S. Nijalingappa took office the same day.
  • Sequence to memorize: Kengal Hanumanthaiah → Kadidal Manjappa → S. Nijalingappa.
  • State name remained Mysore until it was renamed Karnataka on 1 Nov 1973.

S. Nijalingappa — Chief Minister (Mysore State, Unified)

Tenure: 1 Nov 1956 – 16 May 1958 • ≈ 1 year 6 months

Took office on the day of State Reorganisation, becoming the first Chief Minister of the enlarged Mysore State. Led the administrative integration of Kannada-speaking regions brought from Bombay, Hyderabad and Madras States, along with Coorg (Kodagu). Early policies focused on harmonising departments, districts and procedures across the unified state. Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru functioned as the seat of the legislature for the new assembly.

Exam Pointers

  • First CM after Unification (1 Nov 1956); state name remained Mysore until 1 Nov 1973.
  • Predecessor (pre-unification): Kadidal Manjappa; Successor: B. D. Jatti (16 May 1958).
  • Integration cue: regions merged from Bombay, Hyderabad, Madras; Coorg added as a district.
  • Later served a second term: 21 Jun 1962 – 29 May 1968 (remember “Nijalingappa II”).
  • Sequence hook: Kengal → Manjappa → Nijalingappa (Unified) → B. D. Jatti.

B. D. Jatti — Chief Minister (Mysore State)

Tenure: 16 May 1958 – 9 Mar 1962 • ≈ 3 years 10 months

Led the enlarged Mysore State after unification, with Bengaluru as the capital and Vidhana Soudha as the legislative seat. His term focused on consolidating administration across newly merged regions and pushing statewide development initiatives. Known for a clean public image, he later rose to key national roles. The state name remained “Mysore” during his tenure; it was renamed “Karnataka” in 1973.

Exam Pointers

  • Served as Chief Minister of Mysore State from 16 May 1958 to 9 Mar 1962.
  • Party: Indian National Congress; governance noted for administrative consolidation post-reorganization.
  • Successor: S. R. Kanthi (took office in March 1962).
  • Later became Vice President of India (1974–1979) and Acting President (Feb–July 1977).
  • Sequence hook: Nijalingappa (1956) → B. D. Jatti (1958) → S. R. Kanthi (1962) → Nijalingappa II (1962).

S. R. Kanthi — Chief Minister (Mysore State)

Tenure: 14 Mar 1962 – 21 Jun 1962 • ≈ 3 months

S. R. Kanthi, an educationist-turned-leader, took charge after B. D. Jatti and headed Mysore State for a brief period in 1962. His short ministry focused on continuity of administration and legislative business during a political transition. Bengaluru remained the capital and Vidhana Soudha the seat of the legislature. The state name was still Mysore; it would be renamed Karnataka in 1973.

Exam Pointers

  • Brief tenure in 1962 between B. D. Jatti and S. Nijalingappa (second term).
  • Remember sequence: Nijalingappa (Unified) → B. D. Jatti → S. R. Kanthi → Nijalingappa II.
  • Capital: Bengaluru; legislature at Vidhana Soudha.
  • State name: Mysore (renamed Karnataka on 1 Nov 1973).
  • Useful for timeline questions and short-tenure CM identification.

S. Nijalingappa — Chief Minister (Mysore State, Second Term)

Tenure: 21 Jun 1962 – 29 May 1968 • ≈ 5 years 11 months

Returning to office in 1962, S. Nijalingappa steered the unified Mysore State through a long, stable phase in the 1960s. Administration centered on statewide integration, cooperative development and expansion of public institutions. Bengaluru remained the capital with Vidhana Soudha as the legislative seat. His second term precedes the Veerendra Patil ministry at the end of the decade.

Exam Pointers

  • Two non-consecutive terms: 1 Nov 1956 – 16 May 1958 and 21 Jun 1962 – 29 May 1968.
  • Predecessor (1962): S. R. Kanthi; Successor (1968): Veerendra Patil.
  • Unified Mysore context: integration of Kannada-speaking regions continued through his governance.
  • Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.
  • Sequence hook: Kengal → Manjappa → Nijalingappa (Unified) → B. D. Jatti → S. R. Kanthi → Nijalingappa II → Veerendra Patil.

D. Devaraj Urs — Chief Minister (Mysore / Karnataka)

Tenure I: 20 Mar 1972 – 31 Dec 1977 • ≈ 5y 9m Tenure II: 28 Feb 1978 – 7 Jan 1980 • ≈ 1y 10m

A landmark social-justice leader, Devaraj Urs oversaw the renaming of Mysore State to Karnataka on 1 Nov 1973. His governments are noted for land reforms (“land to the tiller”) and welfare measures for backward classes. He served two terms separated by a brief spell of President’s Rule, shaping the state’s political and social landscape in the 1970s. These years are highly testable in GK due to major policy and identity milestones.

Exam Pointers

  • State renamed from Mysore to Karnataka on 1 Nov 1973 during his tenure.
  • Land Reforms (1974): “land to the tiller” emphasis; major redistribution and tenancy changes.
  • Two terms: 1972–1977 and 1978–1980; intervening President’s Rule (31 Dec 1977 – 28 Feb 1978).
  • Known for policies uplifting backward classes and broad social-equity initiatives.
  • Timeline hook: Veerendra Patil → President’s Rule → Devaraj Urs I → President’s Rule → Devaraj Urs II → R. Gundu Rao.

R. Gundu Rao — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 12 Jan 1980 – 6 Jan 1983 • ≈ 3 years

Early-1980s administration remembered for language policy decisions, university expansion, and irrigation works in North Karnataka. The period bridges the post-Urs phase and the start of the Janata era, with Bengaluru as the capital and Vidhana Soudha as the legislature seat. Several facts from this tenure appear in Karnataka Polity, Culture, and Development MCQs.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Party: Indian National Congress. Sequence: Devaraj Urs (II) / President’s Rule → R. Gundu Rao → Ramakrishna Hegde (I).
  • Gokak Committee & Chaluvali (1981–82): Kannada as first language in schools accepted following the Gokak movement; mass support led by Dr. Rajkumar—very frequent culture/polity question.
  • University expansion (1980): establishment of Mangalore University and Gulbarga University—often asked as “universities formed in 1980 under which CM?”.
  • Upper Krishna Project (Stage-I): continued works in the Krishna basin (Almatti–Narayanpur system) benefiting North Karnataka—remember river = Krishna, reservoir = L. B. Shastri (Almatti).
  • Language & culture push: emphasis on Kannada usage in administration/education aligned with the state’s 1973 renaming legacy; links to state cultural questions.
  • Education & services: growth of government colleges/schools and service-delivery drives in districts—paired in PYQs with early-1980s governance.
  • Industry & tech context: support to electronics/manufacturing initiatives via state agencies (e.g., KEONICS); early momentum for the Bengaluru tech ecosystem continued into mid-1980s.
  • Basics to memorise: Capital—Bengaluru; Legislature—Vidhana Soudha; Tenure—1980–83.

Ramakrishna Hegde — Chief Minister (Term I)

Tenure: 10 Jan 1983 – 29 Dec 1984 • ≈ 1 year 11 months

Marked the start of the Janata era in Karnataka with a strong push for decentralisation and clean governance. This term is remembered for the landmark Panchayat Raj law and the creation of the Lokayukta framework. Public grievance outreach and rural service delivery received special attention. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • First stable non-Congress government: 1983 formation under Janata Party—frequent polity MCQ for Karnataka.
  • Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1983: established 3-tier local bodies—Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samitis, Mandal Panchayats; Gram Sabha provisions; reservations for SC/ST and women (≈33%).
  • Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984: created an independent anti-corruption ombudsman (office operationalised later in 1986); key “law–year–purpose” question.
  • Janata Darshan: CM-level public grievance forum; petitions on pensions, land/revenue and services—remember “people-first hearings”.
  • Rural focus: irrigation upkeep (Krishna/Cauvery basins), tank restoration, rural roads and drinking-water works—common static GK pairing with decentralisation.
  • Basics: Party—Janata Party. Sequence: R. Gundu Rao → Hegde I → President’s Rule (Dec ’84–Mar ’85) → Hegde II.

Ramakrishna Hegde — Chief Minister (Term II)

Tenure: 8 Mar 1985 – 13 Feb 1986 • ≈ 11 months

Returned after President’s Rule and continued the decentralisation-and-clean-governance agenda of the Janata era. Period is notable for people’s grievance forums, anti-corruption institutionalisation, and groundwork for empowered local bodies. Resigned in Feb 1986 and returned days later to begin a third term. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Party: Janata Party. Pre/Post: President’s Rule (1984–85) → Hegde II → Hegde III (from 16 Feb 1986).
  • Karnataka Lokayukta: anti-corruption ombudsman framework (Act 1984) moved toward full operationalisation; office became functional in 1986.
  • Resignation & return (Feb 1986): CM resigned following Lokayukta developments; re-sworn within days, starting Term III—frequent polity timeline MCQ.
  • Decentralisation push: strengthened Zilla Parishads–Taluk Panchayat Samitis–Mandal Panchayats; groundwork for statewide local-body polls held later (1987).
  • Janata Darshan: CM-level public grievance hearing platform; petitions on pensions, land/revenue, services—remember “people-first hearings”.
  • Rural works: irrigation upkeep (Krishna/Cauvery basins), tank restoration, rural roads and drinking-water programmes—common static GK asks.
  • Sequence hook: Hegde I → President’s Rule → Hegde II → Hegde III → S. R. Bommai.

Ramakrishna Hegde — Chief Minister (Term III)

Tenure: 16 Feb 1986 – 10 Aug 1988 • ≈ 2 years 6 months

Tenure identified with deepening decentralisation, institutional checks on corruption, and people-centric grievance redressal. Zilla/Taluk/Mandal bodies became operational across the state, while the Lokayukta institution gathered teeth. Infrastructure, irrigation upkeep and service delivery were pushed alongside administrative reforms. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Panchayat Raj (State Act, 1983): statewide rollout under Hegde era; Zilla Parishads–Taluk Panchayat Samitis–Mandal Panchayats made operational; local-body polls held in 1987; key devolution of funds & functions.
  • Karnataka Lokayukta (Act 1984; operationalised 1986): independent ombudsman to probe corruption & maladministration; exam asks “state ombudsman and year of operationalisation”.
  • Janata Darshan: CM-led public grievance forum; petitions on services, pensions, land & revenue—remember hook “people-first hearings”.
  • Irrigation & rural works: maintenance of Krishna/Cauvery basin projects, tanks, canals; rural roads & drinking-water programmes expanded.
  • Administrative reforms: steps toward single-window clearances and time-bound file movement; emphasis on transparency and audit.
  • Basics: Party—Janata Party. Sequence: Hegde II → Hegde III → S. R. Bommai.

S. R. Bommai — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 13 Aug 1988 – 21 Apr 1989 • ≈ 8 months

Short Janata Dal tenure that became historically significant in Indian Polity. His government’s dismissal and subsequent legal battle culminated in the S. R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994) judgment, which reshaped Centre–State relations under Article 356. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Party: Janata Dal. Dismissal: 21 Apr 1989 → President’s Rule in Karnataka.
  • S. R. Bommai Case (1994): Supreme Court landmark on Article 356: floor test is the proper forum to prove majority; Governor’s subjective reports are justiciable; arbitrary dissolution of Assembly curbed; secularism reaffirmed as a Basic Structure.
  • Polity hook: Frequently asked pair—“CM linked to Article 356 judgment?” → S. R. Bommai (case name).
  • Family/GK link: Father of later CM Basavaraj Bommai (2021–2023).
  • Sequence: Ramakrishna Hegde (Term III) → S. R. Bommai → President’s Rule → Veerendra Patil (II).

Veerendra Patil — Chief Minister (Second Term, Karnataka)

Tenure: 30 Nov 1989 – 10 Oct 1990 • ≈ 10 months

Returned to office after nearly two decades, this time in Karnataka (state renamed from Mysore in 1973). Short tenure focused on administrative continuity after President’s Rule and on basic services, irrigation upkeep, and drought-relief steps. Resigned in Oct 1990 due to health reasons. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Party: Indian National Congress.
  • Pre/Post: Preceded by President’s Rule (1989); succeeded by S. Bangarappa (1990–92).
  • Unique fact: Served as CM in two eras — Mysore State (1968–71) and Karnataka (1989–90).
  • Administrative focus: continuity in core services, irrigation maintenance (Krishna/Cauvery basins), and drought-relief & drinking-water measures.
  • Polity hook: Tenure ended mid-term due to health; frequently asked “Who resigned as CM in 1990 and who succeeded?”
  • Sequence: S. R. Bommai → President’s Rule → Veerendra Patil (II) → S. Bangarappa.

S. Bangarappa — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 17 Oct 1990 – 19 Nov 1992 • ≈ 2 years 1 month

Early-1990s tenure during the national economic-reform phase and a sensitive interstate-river period. Administration is remembered for urban and rural service delivery drives and handling of the 1991 Cauvery interim order context. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Party: Indian National Congress; popularly known as “Solillada Saradara.”
  • Cauvery Dispute (1991): Interim order by the Tribunal directing releases to Tamil Nadu led to statewide protests—often tested for “CM during 1991 interim order.”
  • Economic-reform context: alignment with 1991 policy—industry facilitation/single-window clearances and investment outreach; GK asks on “state response to liberalisation.”
  • Housing & rural works: continuation/expansion of low-income housing and basic amenities programmes; typical PYQ on “early-1990s housing support in Karnataka.”
  • Social sector: focus on cooperatives, welfare delivery and beneficiaries via departments of RDPR and social welfare—identify department–beneficiary mapping.
  • Sequence hook: Veerendra Patil (second term) → S. Bangarappa → M. Veerappa Moily.

M. Veerappa Moily — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 19 Nov 1992 – 11 Dec 1994 • ≈ 2 years

Tenure noted for implementing the 73rd–74th Constitutional Amendments in Karnataka with strong decentralisation measures. The period anchored gram panchayat empowerment, local-body elections, and institutional reforms that recur in Karnataka Polity MCQs. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993: aligned with the 73rd Amendment; established 3-tier system (ZP–TP–GP), Gram Sabha provisions, reservation for SC/ST and ≥33% for women, State Election Commission for local polls.
  • Urban decentralisation steps: compliance measures toward the 74th Amendment for ULBs (corporations/municipalities), metropolitan planning provisions and ward representation—frequent polity timeline questions.
  • Local-body elections (mid-1990s): first rounds under the new framework conducted soon after the 1993 Act—remember hook “Act ’93 → polls ’94”.
  • Rural infrastructure & irrigation: continued works on tanks/minor irrigation and Krishna basin projects; exam asks “1990s decade irrigation push—state & basin?”.
  • Literacy & basic services: support to district Total Literacy Campaigns and rural drinking-water programmes of the early-1990s—pair with ‘Gram Sabha & service delivery’ in MCQs.
  • Sequence hook: S. Bangarappa → M. Veerappa Moily → H. D. Deve Gowda.

H. D. Deve Gowda — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 11 Dec 1994 – 31 May 1996 • ≈ 1 year 5 months

Rural-development–focused tenure that advanced decentralisation and irrigation priorities before he moved to the national stage as Prime Minister in 1996. Implementation of Panchayati Raj devolution and works on major Krishna basin projects were key themes of the period. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Panchayati Raj (mid-1990s): operationalisation of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 in line with the 73rd/74th Constitutional Amendments—devolution to ZP/TP/GP, greater local-planning & service delivery.
  • Krishna Basin focus: advancement of Upper Krishna Project works (Almatti–Narayanpur complex); exam hooks: river = Krishna, reservoir = Lal Bahadur Shastri (Almatti), region = North Karnataka.
  • Rural infrastructure: emphasis on minor irrigation, tanks, and rural roads under state programmes; typical MCQ asks “which CM stressed irrigation & rural works before becoming PM?”
  • Industrial/Investment outreach: investor roadshows and facilitation steps; early push that later aided IT/BT growth trajectory.
  • Unique polity fact: only Karnataka CM who went on to become Prime Minister of India (1996–97).
  • Basics: Party—Janata Dal. Sequence: M. Veerappa Moily → H. D. Deve Gowda → J. H. Patel.

J. H. Patel — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 31 May 1996 – 7 Oct 1999 • ≈ 3 years 4 months

Oversaw an administration known for creating new districts, early IT-policy leadership, and power-sector reforms. Investor facilitation and single-window clearances were strengthened, while decentralisation and infrastructure projects progressed. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • New districts (15 Aug 1997): Bagalkot, Chamarajanagar, Davanagere, Gadag, Haveri, Koppal, Udupi. Often asked as “which CM created 7 districts on Golden Jubilee?”.
  • State IT Policy (1997): among India’s earliest; positioned Karnataka for IT/BT growth; launch of BangaloreIT.com investor/tech showcase in the late 1990s.
  • Electricity Reforms (1999): Karnataka Electricity Reforms Act established the KERC regulator; unbundling of KEB initiated → KPTCL (and later ESCOMs).
  • Industry facilitation: push to strengthen Udyoga Mitra single-window & industrial policy of the late-1990s; emphasis on “Beyond Bengaluru” corridors.
  • Infrastructure context: administrative support for large road/urban projects (incl. Bangalore–Mysore corridor processes) and irrigation expansions—useful for timeline MCQs.
  • Polity sequence: H. D. Deve Gowda (became PM in 1996) → J. H. Patel (1996–99) → S. M. Krishna (1999–2004).

S. M. Krishna — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 11 Oct 1999 – 28 May 2004 • ≈ 4 years 7 months

Period remembered for urban modernisation, IT-led growth and large e-governance rollouts. Bengaluru’s civic reforms were pushed via public–private collaboration, while statewide land and property systems went digital. Several flagship welfare initiatives (health insurance, women SHGs) started in this era. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF): city-improvement PPP platform (1999–2004) associated with civic reforms, budgeting transparency, benchmarks.
  • Bhoomi (2000): statewide computerisation of land records; RTC issue at kiosks—very frequent PYQ on scheme name & purpose.
  • KAVERI (e-Registration): computerised property registration & valuation—link with stamps/registration department.
  • Yeshasvini (2003): cooperative health insurance for members; cashless surgeries at network hospitals—match “scheme–beneficiary” type MCQs.
  • Stree Shakti (2000–01): women Self-Help Groups for thrift/micro-credit and livelihood support; widely asked under Karnataka social-welfare schemes.
  • Mahiti Sindhu (schools IT): computer labs & IT literacy in government high schools through PPP—education/ICT factoid.
  • Infrastructure timeline: Bengaluru International Airport project agreements & SPV groundwork advanced; Bengaluru Metro planning moved through DPR/approvals stage (final clearances came later).
  • Sequence hook: J. H. Patel → S. M. Krishna → N. Dharam Singh.

N. Dharam Singh — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 28 May 2004 – 3 Feb 2006 • ≈ 1 year 8 months

Led an INC–JD(S) coalition with emphasis on administrative continuity and infrastructure groundwork. Period notes include financial closure and construction start of the Bengaluru International Airport (Devanahalli) and the launch of JNNURM (2005) benefiting Karnataka cities. Deputy CM portfolio shifted during the term; state finances and service delivery were key themes.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Coalition & Deputies: INC–JD(S) coalition. Deputy CMs: Siddaramaiah (Finance, May 2004–Aug 2005) and later M. P. Prakash (Aug 2005–Jan 2006).
  • Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL): financial closure and start of construction in 2005 at Devanahalli; frequent MCQ on “airport groundwork year/CM”.
  • JNNURM (Dec 2005): national urban mission launched—early projects for Bengaluru (incl. BSUP, urban infrastructure) and Mysuru; exam asks “Mission year & beneficiary cities”.
  • Yeshasvini (continuation): cooperative health insurance (launched 2003) continued—coverage through network hospitals; asked as “cooperative-based health scheme name”.
  • BMIC developments (2005): Bangalore–Mysore Infrastructure Corridor saw major legal/administrative proceedings—timeline trap in polity-GK.
  • Basics: Party—Indian National Congress (coalition). Sequence: S. M. Krishna → N. Dharam Singh → H. D. Kumaraswamy I.

H. D. Kumaraswamy — Chief Minister (First Term)

Tenure: 3 Feb 2006 – 9 Oct 2007 • ≈ 1 year 8 months

Headed a JD(S)–BJP coalition marked by welfare for girl children, village-upgradation drives and e-governance rollout. Period also saw a cabinet decision to restore Kannada names for major cities and progress on key urban transport and airport projects. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Bhagyalakshmi (2006): deposit-bond scheme for girl children of BPL families; benefits released when the girl turns 18 with schooling/no child marriage. Often asked as “scheme for girl child launched in 2006”.
  • Suvarna Karnataka (1956–2006 Golden Jubilee): anniversary theme with integrated works; includes Suvarna Gramodaya model-village drive (roads, drinking water, sanitation, community assets).
  • Nemmadi (CSC e-governance): citizen service centres for income/caste/residence certificates, RTC (Bhoomi) copies, etc.—remember “time + transparency” hook.
  • City renaming resolution (2006): cabinet approved Kannada names—e.g., Bangalore → Bengaluru (implementation notified later). Common polity-GK trap: “year of approval vs year of notification”.
  • Infrastructure context: groundwork advanced for Namma Metro and the greenfield international airport at Devanahalli (opened later); useful for timeline sequencing.
  • Polity fact: coalition with Deputy CM B. S. Yediyurappa (also Finance)—frequent MCQ on the coalition formula of the period.
  • Sequence hook: N. Dharam Singh → H. D. Kumaraswamy I → B. S. Yediyurappa (7-day term, 2007) → President’s Rule → B. S. Yediyurappa (2008).

B. S. Yediyurappa — Chief Minister (First Short Term)

Tenure: 12 Nov 2007 – 19 Nov 2007 • 7 days

Very brief tenure during a transitional coalition phase; followed by President’s Rule and fresh elections in 2008. Useful for “shortest tenure” type GK questions in Karnataka polity.

Exam Pointers

  • Party: Bharatiya Janata Party.
  • Predecessor: H. D. Kumaraswamy I; Successor: President’s Rule (late 2007–May 2008).
  • Sequence: H. D. Kumaraswamy I → B. S. Yediyurappa (7 days) → President’s Rule → B. S. Yediyurappa (2008).

B. S. Yediyurappa — Chief Minister (2008–2011)

Tenure: 30 May 2008 – 31 Jul 2011 • ≈ 3 years 2 months

Led Karnataka’s first full-term BJP government with focus on agriculture, health insurance for the poor, power supply to villages, and large investment mobilisation. Period includes major flood relief (2009) and statewide programmes in dryland farming and feeder segregation. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Vajpayee Arogyashree: cashless tertiary healthcare for BPL families at empanelled hospitals; frequent GK on name–beneficiary–coverage type.
  • Bhoochetana (2009): dryland productivity mission—soil testing, micronutrients, improved seeds; major rainfed-agri initiative.
  • Niranthara Jyothi Yojana: rural feeder segregation to provide near 24×7 power supply to households (agriculture feeders separated).
  • Invest Karnataka – Global Investors Meet 2010: large MoU mobilisation; exam asks “first major GIM hosted under which CM?”.
  • Flood Relief & ‘Aasare’ Housing (2009): North Karnataka floods—mass rehabilitation, permanent houses to affected families.
  • Infrastructure notes: Namma Metro Phase-1 works progressed; Kempegowda International Airport became operational in 2008 (state PPP participation).
  • Governance cues: separate agriculture budget practice continued; service-delivery digitisation picks up heading into 2011–12.
  • Sequence hook: President’s Rule (2007–08) → B. S. Yediyurappa (2008–11) → D. V. Sadananda Gowda (2011–12).

D. V. Sadananda Gowda — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 4 Aug 2011 – 12 Jul 2012 • ≈ 11 months

Led Karnataka through an administrative continuity phase marked by citizen-service guarantees and urban transport milestones. The period saw the rollout of time-bound public services and the first operational Metro stretch in the state. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Sakala – Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act, 2011: time-bound delivery of notified services; statewide rollout from April 2012; token/acknowledgement used for tracking.
  • Namma Metro (Purple Line Reach-1): first operational stretch Baiyappanahalli–MG Road opened in Oct 2011 (GK asks “first Metro stretch in Karnataka”).
  • Separate Agriculture Budget (continuation): practice of presenting a dedicated agri budget continued in 2012–13 (often asked as “which state/period had a separate agri budget?”).
  • Global Investors Meet 2012 (Invest Karnataka): major investment conclave in Bengaluru; cues on MoUs/industrial corridors appear in PYQs.
  • Drought relief (2011–12): drinking-water supply, fodder and farm support measures—asked as “tenure with extensive drought response”.
  • Sequence hook: B. S. Yediyurappa (2008–11) → D. V. Sadananda Gowda (2011–12) → Jagadish Shettar (2012–13).

Jagadish Shettar — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 12 Jul 2012 – 13 May 2013 • ≈ 10 months

Headed Karnataka in 2012–13 during a phase of administrative reforms and regional development moves. Period is notable for the special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region (now Kalyana Karnataka) and a landmark budgeting law for SC/ST welfare. Service-delivery expansion and drought-relief measures also mark this tenure. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Article 371J (2012–13): special provisions for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region—reservations in education & government jobs and a regional development board. Now called Kalyana Karnataka.
  • SCSP/TSP Act, 2013 (Karnataka): landmark law to earmark and ring-fence budget outlays for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes; exam asks “state CM/period of SCSP-TSP law”.
  • Sakala expansion: time-bound service delivery program extended to more departments/services; key GK asks are “name of service act” and “purpose”.
  • Drought & relief (2012–13): drinking-water supply, fodder support, and farm-distress measures; typical questions on “tenure when severe drought steps taken”.
  • Industry & investment follow-through: facilitation for MoUs and infrastructure clearances; memory link to “Udyoga Mitra / single-window”.
  • Sequence hook: D. V. Sadananda Gowda → Jagadish Shettar → Siddaramaiah I.

Siddaramaiah — Chief Minister (First Term)

Tenure: 13 May 2013 – 17 May 2018 • ≈ 5 years

A welfare-focused five-year tenure known for the “Bhagya” suite of schemes, subsidised food for the urban poor, and steps toward universal health coverage. High exam weightage due to flagship food security, milk nutrition for students, and farm-water initiatives. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Anna Bhagya (2013): subsidised rice to priority households (launched at Re 1/kg; initially up to 30 kg per family/month). GK asks “CM who launched Anna Bhagya?”.
  • Ksheera Bhagya (2013): free milk (≈150 ml) for government & aided school and anganwadi children on school days; nutrition + support to dairy farmers.
  • Indira Canteen (2017): subsidised meals for urban poor; typical rates often cited in exams—breakfast ₹5; lunch/dinner ₹10.
  • Arogya Karnataka (2018): universal health coverage architecture; BPL free treatment up to ~₹1.5 lakh; partial support for APL—merged later with AB-ArK.
  • Krishi Bhagya: farm ponds, micro-irrigation & protective cultivation for dryland farmers—memory hook “pond–pump–polyhouse”.
  • Anila Bhagya: state assistance for LPG connections to BPL households to shift from solid fuels (exam cue: clean cooking initiative).
  • Other notes: Welfare branding via multiple “Bhagya” schemes; high PYQ frequency on scheme–beneficiary–benefit mapping.
  • Sequence hook: Jagadish Shettar → Siddaramaiah I → H. D. Kumaraswamy II.

H. D. Kumaraswamy — Chief Minister (Second Term)

Tenure: 23 May 2018 – 23 Jul 2019 • ≈ 14 months

Led a JD(S)–INC coalition after the 2018 elections with a focus on farm relief, micro-credit, and service delivery. Period is notable for the statewide farm loan waiver announcement, village-stay outreach, and vendor/SHG support. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Farm Loan Waiver (2018): state-announced waiver for eligible farmers; cap applied per family; covered cooperative & nationalised bank loans (exam asks “CM who announced waiver in 2018”).
  • Badavara Bandhu: interest-free short-term loans (≈₹10,000) to street vendors via cooperative sector—GK on amount/beneficiary often tested.
  • Kayaka / SHG Support: micro-credit through cooperatives to women’s SHGs & JLGs; job/self-employment focus.
  • Grama Vastavya 2.0: CM’s village-stay outreach revived—field grievance redressal and service delivery checks.
  • Water & Rural Works: conservation and watershed drives (lake rejuvenation, recharge pits, plantation) under RDPR—asked as “state-level water campaign of 2018–19”.
  • Deputy CM & Coalition Fact: Deputy CM: Dr. G. Parameshwara; coalition formula JD(S)+INC (frequent polity MCQ).
  • Sequence hook: Siddaramaiah I → H. D. Kumaraswamy II → B. S. Yediyurappa (2019).

B. S. Yediyurappa — Chief Minister (2019–2021)

Tenure: 26 Jul 2019 – 28 Jul 2021 • ≈ 2 years

Returned to office in mid-2019 and led Karnataka through the COVID-19 period with emphasis on service delivery and infrastructure. This phase saw administrative renaming of a key region, a fresh industrial policy, and city-revamp initiatives. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Kalyana Karnataka: Hyderabad-Karnataka region renamed to Kalyana Karnataka (2019) with a separate development secretariat.
  • New Industrial Policy 2020-25: push for advanced manufacturing/ESDM, “Beyond Bengaluru” dispersal of industries, incentives for jobs & investments.
  • Bengaluru Mission 2022: city-revamp blueprint—high-density corridors, lake rejuvenation, solid-waste and mobility upgrades.
  • Seva Sindhu (COVID services): single-window for passes, relief and citizen services; integrated with service-guarantee workflows.
  • Arthika Spandana (2020): loan disbursal programme via cooperatives ~₹39,300 crore (agri + non-agri) to aid recovery.
  • Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project: key approvals/allocations during this term; multi-corridor urban rail to decongest the city.
  • Digital/innovation push: “Beyond Bengaluru” and digital-economy initiatives to develop tech clusters in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, etc.
  • Sequence hook: H. D. Kumaraswamy II → B. S. Yediyurappa (2019–21) → Basavaraj Bommai.

Basavaraj Bommai — Chief Minister (Karnataka)

Tenure: 28 Jul 2021 – 20 May 2023 • ≈ 1 year 10 months

Led Karnataka through the Covid-recovery and infrastructure push phase with an emphasis on service delivery, urban works and administrative changes. Period includes launch/expansion of citizen-service platforms, welfare support, and major transport/industrial projects that are frequently asked in exams. Capital: Bengaluru; Legislature: Vidhana Soudha.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Grama One: one-stop rural service centres (100+ services) rolled out statewide from Jan 2022.
  • Janaspandana / IPGRS 1902: integrated grievance redressal platform & helpline; monthly taluk/district drives.
  • Kashi Yatra subsidy: ₹5,000 assistance to eligible pilgrims travelling to Kashi/Varanasi (2022).
  • Raitha Vidya Nidhi: scholarships for children of farmers (later coverage extended to some other communities/sectors).
  • Punyakoti Dattu Yojane: cattle-adoption portal to support goshalas (2022).
  • Amrutha/Amrut Nagarothana (Bengaluru): large urban works package (announced ~₹6,000 cr; further allocations in Budget 2023-24).
  • HAL Helicopter Factory, Tumakuru (Gubbi): inaugurated Feb 2023; billed as India’s largest helicopter facility.
  • Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway (NH-275): dedicated Mar 2023; travel time targeted ~75–90 minutes.
  • Reservation rejig (Mar 2023): 4% OBC quota for Muslims (2B) scrapped; moved to EWS; enhanced quotas for Vokkaliga/Lingayat under 2C/2D.
  • Factories (Karnataka Amendment) Act 2023: enabling up to 12-hour shifts (weekly cap 48 hrs) & night-shift permission for women (with safeguards).
  • GK hook: Basavaraj Bommai is the son of former CM S. R. Bommai (linked to landmark 1994 SC judgment on Article 356).
  • Sequence: B. S. Yediyurappa (2019–21) → Basavaraj Bommai (2021–23) → Siddaramaiah II (2023– ).

Siddaramaiah — Chief Minister (Second Term)

Tenure: 20 May 2023 – Present

Returned as Chief Minister in May 2023 with a welfare-led agenda widely tested in Karnataka GK and current-affairs sections. The period is defined by “Five Guarantees” targeting households, women, and youth, alongside state budget measures and service delivery tweaks. Bengaluru remains the capital and Vidhana Soudha the seat of the legislature.

Exam Pointers (High-Yield)

  • Five Guarantees (Core): Gruha Jyothi – zero electricity bill up to 200 units (conditions apply); Gruha Lakshmi – ₹2,000/month to woman head of family; Shakti – free bus travel for women in state-run non-luxury buses; Anna Bhagya – 10 kg rice per person/month to eligible (cash/top-up when grain unavailable); Yuva Nidhi – unemployment allowance: ₹3,000/month (graduates) & ₹1,500/month (diploma) for a limited period.
  • Budget focus: welfare allocations to fund guarantees; emphasis on food security, power subsidy, and women-centric support.
  • Administration notes: guarantee delivery via online portals, DBT, and identity verification; GK often asks scheme–beneficiary–amount mapping.
  • Context facts: Second term CM; predecessor Basavaraj Bommai; capital Bengaluru; legislature at Vidhana Soudha.
  • Memory hook: “Power–Cash–Travel–Rice–Youth” → Jyothi–Lakshmi–Shakti–Anna–Yuva.

Ready-to-Revise Highlights

Covered every Chief Minister from the Mysore State era to today’s Karnataka. For exams, focus on who held office, when they served, and the flagship schemes/projects linked to their tenure. Keep an eye on dates like 1 Nov 1956 (unification) and 1 Nov 1973 (state renamed to Karnataka), and pair leaders with high-yield initiatives such as Vidhana Soudha (Kengal), decentralisation (Hegde era), landmark judgement on Article 356 (S. R. Bommai), and recent welfare guarantees (Siddaramaiah II).

Last-Minute Revision List

  • Chronology chain: Practice the order from early Mysore leaders to present; note short caretaker terms and President’s Rule interludes.
  • Scheme → CM → Benefit: e.g., Anna/Ksheera/Anila Bhagya (Siddaramaiah I), Vajpayee Arogyashree (Yediyurappa 2008–11), Five Guarantees (Siddaramaiah II).
  • Iconic builds & reforms: Vidhana Soudha (Kengal), Panchayat Raj & Lokayukta strengthening (Hegde era), Bhoomi/KAVERI e-governance & Yeshasvini (S. M. Krishna).
  • Unique polity facts: Only CM who became PM—H. D. Deve Gowda; Article 356 landmark—S. R. Bommai (1994).
  • Memory hooks: “Power–Cash–Travel–Rice–Youth” for current welfare; “pond–pump–polyhouse” for Krishi Bhagya; “RTC & registry” for Bhoomi/KAVERI.
1 Nov 1956 — Unification 1 Nov 1973 — Karnataka Vidhana Soudha — Kengal Art. 356 — Bommai PM from KA — HDK

Use spaced repetition: revise dates and match each leader with two standout facts. Practise quick “Who → What → When” flashes, and you’ll be ready for Karnataka GK questions across Group-C, KPSC, Police, TET and allied exams.

Karnataka General Knowledge Static facts, CM timelines, and high-yield points. →

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