D.K. Shivakumar assumes office as Karnataka Chief Minister in Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah’s presence; PM Modi greets
Senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, marking a significant leadership transition in the state government. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru in the presence of senior party leaders, elected representatives and supporters.
Shivakumar, who was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party last week, succeeds Siddaramaiah after a planned change in leadership within the ruling Congress government. The swearing-in ceremony was designed to project unity within the party, with Siddaramaiah sharing the stage alongside Shivakumar and other senior Congress figures including Rahul Gandhi.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar. Along with the new Chief Minister, several legislators were inducted into the Council of Ministers in the first phase of cabinet formation. Senior Congress leader G. Parameshwara took oath as Deputy Chief Minister.
The 64-year-old leader from Kanakapura becomes one of the most influential Congress figures to lead Karnataka in recent years. Before assuming the state’s top post, Shivakumar served as Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, playing a key role in strengthening the party’s organisation and electoral performance.
Ahead of the ceremony, Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bengaluru to participate in the event. Supporters gathered across parts of the state, particularly in Shivakumar’s home constituency of Kanakapura, to celebrate his elevation to the Chief Minister’s office.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shivakumar on assuming office and expressed confidence that the Union and State governments would work together for the welfare and development of Karnataka.