In a major political transition in Karnataka, senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar during the ceremony.
Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara was also sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.
The ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with several party functionaries.
Shivakumar took oath holding a copy of the Constitution, projecting a message of constitutional commitment and political continuity. The Congress leadership also sought to present a united front, with outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah present.
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Live Updates
10 AM – 11 AM: Siddaramaiah Extends Wishes to Shivakumar
Outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah extended his wishes to D K Shivakumar and said the responsibility of taking Karnataka’s development forward now rested on his shoulders.
The official invitation for the oath-taking ceremony stated that the oath of office and secrecy would be administered at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru.
The event was scheduled for the afternoon, with several senior Congress leaders expected to attend.
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11 AM – 12 PM: Shivakumar, Parameshwara Meet Siddaramaiah
D K Shivakumar and G Parameshwara met outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his residence before the ceremony. Siddaramaiah congratulated both leaders and extended his best wishes.
Shivakumar also greeted supporters and party workers from his residence before leaving for the venue. A list of ministers expected to take oath along with him also started circulating during this period.
12 PM – 1 PM: Shivakumar Meets Senior Leaders
Before heading for the swearing-in ceremony, D K Shivakumar met former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. The meeting was seen as an important gesture, with Shivakumar saying that leaders who have contributed to Karnataka must work together for the state.
Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi also wished Shivakumar success and advised him to take everyone along while leading the state.
1 PM – 2 PM: Family Blessings and Political Messages
Between 1 PM and 2 PM, D K Shivakumar met his mother Gowramma ahead of the oath-taking ceremony and sought her blessings.
During this period, Yathindra Siddaramaiah also said he was hopeful of being inducted into the Cabinet, while clarifying that he was not seeking the Deputy Chief Minister’s post.
The atmosphere around the venue started gaining momentum as leaders, party workers and guests began arriving for the ceremony.
2 PM – 3 PM: Seers Arrive, Final Preparations Underway
Several seers and religious leaders arrived at Lok Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony. D K Shivakumar sought their blessings ahead of taking oath as Chief Minister.
The final preparations were completed at the venue, with senior Congress leaders, MLAs, ministers and invited guests taking their seats. Security remained tight around Lok Bhavan as the event moved closer to the official oath-taking.
3 PM – 4 PM: Leaders Gather at Lok Bhavan
Senior Congress leaders, newly elected MLAs and invited dignitaries gathered for the oath ceremony.
The Congress leadership used the occasion to send a message of continuity and unity, with outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also present at the venue.
4 PM – 5 PM: Shivakumar Takes Oath as Chief Minister
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to D K Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Shivakumar took oath holding a copy of the Constitution. Soon after, G Parameshwara was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.
M B Patil took oath in the name of Basavanna, Sharana saints and late seer Siddeshwara Swamiji.
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Other Ministers sworn in:
- G Parameshwara (deputy chief minister)
- K H Muniyappa
- K J George
- M B Patil
- Ramalinga Reddy
- Satish Jarkiholi
- Krishna Byre Gowda
- Priyank Kharge
- U T Khader
- Eshwar Khandre
- Yathindra Siddaramaiah
- Byrathi Suresh
- Dr Sharan Prakash Patil
Background
The leadership transition came after Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor’s office on May 28. The move followed several rounds of discussions within the Congress leadership over the power-sharing arrangement in Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah had led the Congress government after the party’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections, while Shivakumar served as Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.
With Shivakumar now taking charge, the Congress has attempted to balance political equations by giving Siddaramaiah a role in the Congress Working Committee. The move is being seen as an effort to maintain unity within the party’s Karnataka unit while beginning a new phase of governance in the state.
Sources used: Indian Express, TOI, TNM, and INC’s official press release