D.K. Shivakumar Takes Oath as Karnataka Chief Minister in Major Leadership Change
G. Parameshwara sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister as the new Congress led administration begins its next phase.
Senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, marking the completion of a closely watched leadership transition within the state government.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot during a ceremonial event held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru. The occasion was attended by political leaders, party workers, religious figures, and supporters from across the state.
Shivakumar, an eight time MLA, took the oath while holding a copy of the Constitution of India. Before the ceremony, he greeted the gathering and paid tribute to his spiritual guide, Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya, whom he invoked during the oath taking.
Veteran Congress leader G. Parameshwara also took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Along with them, a group of ministers was inducted into the cabinet, forming the first team of the new administration.
Several experienced leaders who served in the previous government were included in the cabinet. These include M.B. Patil, Priyank Kharge, K.J. George, Satish Jarkiholi, and Ramalinga Reddy. New faces such as Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah and U.T. Khader were also among those sworn in.
The ceremony attracted several prominent national and regional leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge were present on the main stage, alongside chief ministers from other Congress ruled states and representatives from various social and community groups.
The swearing in ceremony marks the final step in the power sharing arrangement that was agreed upon after the Congress party’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. Under the agreement, Siddaramaiah handed over leadership responsibilities at the midway point of the government’s term.
Party leaders stated that ministerial portfolios will be allocated in the coming days. A larger cabinet expansion is also expected after the upcoming Rajya Sabha election process.