The 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.