Bengaluru, June 3: Karnataka is set for a major political transition today as Congress leader and Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar takes oath as the state’s next Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru at 4 p.m., ushering in a new phase for the ruling Congress government.
Congress leaders have described the occasion as the beginning of a “new chapter” for Karnataka. Congress MLA Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda said the swearing-in ceremony marks a fresh start and that the party high command is expected to announce the list of ministers who will take oath alongside Shivakumar.
Emphasizing continuity in governance, Gowda expressed hope that the social justice initiatives and administrative programs implemented under former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would continue under the new leadership. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections and the 2029 general elections.
As preparations for the transition intensified, senior Congress leaders gathered in New Delhi to finalize cabinet formation and organizational appointments. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi chaired key meetings with Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah to discuss the composition of the new cabinet and nominees for upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader said he would accept any responsibility assigned by the party leadership, stressing that service and work were more important than positions.
In an exclusive interview, Shivakumar reflected on his political journey and thanked the Gandhi family for their support throughout his career. He said that the faith shown in him by the party leadership and the people of Karnataka would motivate him to work hard and deliver results.
Outlining his vision for the state, Shivakumar said he would focus on inclusive development while strengthening Karnataka’s position as India’s leading technology and economic hub. He pledged to work for farmers, women, and youth and described Bengaluru and Karnataka as India’s gateway to the world.
In a social media post, Shivakumar once again expressed gratitude to the Gandhi family and recalled the influence of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his early political career. He also acknowledged the support of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Adding a personal touch to the celebrations, Shivakumar’s former school teacher, Parvathi, recalled him as an energetic student who demonstrated leadership qualities from an early age. She expressed happiness at his elevation and urged him to prioritize educational reforms and initiatives benefiting students and youth.
Meanwhile, the opposition criticized the leadership change. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Congress of focusing on internal power struggles rather than governance. Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy argued that changing the chief minister alone would not address what he described as shortcomings in the government’s performance.
Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Shivakumar clarified that media reports regarding ministerial appointments were speculative and not official.
“The names appearing in the media regarding the selection of ministers are not official. The high command leaders will release the list of ministers tomorrow at 10 a.m. or noon,” he said.
He explained that the final decision on cabinet appointments rests with the party high command and that the approved list from New Delhi would be forwarded to Raj Bhavan for formal approval.
The Chief Minister-designate also announced that the planned foundation stone-laying ceremony for Congress Bhavan had been postponed. Following the oath ceremony and the first cabinet meeting, he plans to meet district presidents, block-level leaders, office bearers, and guarantee committee members at Bharat Jodo Bhavan.
Several Congress leaders welcomed the transition. State Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar said she was pleased with the leadership decision and congratulated those expected to join the cabinet.
Congress MLA Sharan Prakash Patil described the occasion as a historic day and suggested that around 14 ministers could take oath alongside the new chief minister.
Congress leader Alka Lamba called it a momentous day for the party, while Congress MLA Tanveer Seth expressed confidence that the entire Congress team would work together under Shivakumar’s leadership for the state’s development.
Senior Congress leaders including BK Hariprasad and K H Muniyappa also extended their support, with Muniyappa indicating that 10 to 15 ministers could be sworn in along with Shivakumar.
Congress and Indian Youth Congress workers offered prayers at a Ganesh temple in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar area ahead of the ceremony. Youth Congress leader Mounish Reddy said party workers were enthusiastic about the new leadership and hopeful about the cabinet’s composition.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by top Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, and Randeep Singh Surjewala.
Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states, Members of Parliament, regional party leaders, religious representatives, farmer leaders, sanitation workers, laborers, women’s groups, youth organizations, and representatives from various sectors of society have also been invited.
Students from government schools in Shivakumar’s home region of Kanakapura are expected to attend, along with representatives from the media, judiciary, film industry, sports, literature, arts, industry, trade, and hospitality sectors.
With Shivakumar’s oath-taking, a prolonged period of speculation over Karnataka’s leadership transition comes to an end. Attention will now shift to the composition of the new cabinet, allocation of portfolios, and the policy priorities that will shape the next phase of the Congress government in Karnataka.
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