DK Shivakumar to take oath as Karnataka CM

DK Shivakumar is all set to take oath as Karnataka's Chief Minister on June 3, capping a long political journey marked by persistence, setbacks and years of striving for the state's top post. His elevation signals a major leadership transition in Karnataka and opens a new chapter for the Congress government.

The 64-year-old Congress leader will be sworn in at 4:05 pm at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, where Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath of office and secrecy. A group of ministers is also expected to take oath alongside him as part of the first phase of cabinet formation.

While the final list is yet to be officially announced, sources indicated that around 13 ministers are likely to be inducted into the new government.

Shivakumar was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party last week, days after outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped down following directions from the party leadership.

For the eight-time MLA and influential Vokkaliga leader, the ceremony represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition after years of emerging as one of the Congress party's most powerful leaders in southern India.

From troubleshooter to chief minister

Widely regarded within Congress as a skilled organizer and crisis manager, Shivakumar played a central role in rebuilding the party in Karnataka and protecting its governments during periods of political instability.

His elevation follows a prolonged power struggle with Siddaramaiah, whose exit paved the way for a leadership transition that had been anticipated for months.

The change in leadership is being closely watched not only in Karnataka but across the Congress party, where Shivakumar is seen as one of its most influential regional faces.

Shivakumar outlines his vision

Ahead of taking oath, Shivakumar reflected on his journey to the state's top office, describing it as the result of commitment and hard work rather than personal ambition.

"It was not a dream. It was a dedication. Dedication with hard work. So it was a tough, troubling time. Though it has been delayed, it was not denied," he said.

The Congress leader also highlighted his long association with the Nehru-Gandhi family and credited the party leadership for consistently placing its trust in him.

"That is the commitment I had with the Gandhi family, and they believed in me, and they gave me various opportunities," he said.

Praising Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar added, "Sonia Gandhi sacrificed; she could have become the Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi could have become the Prime Minister, but they did not."

Looking ahead, he promised an inclusive administration and projected Karnataka as a key driver of India's growth story.

"The world is seeing India through Bengaluru and Karnataka," he said.

"I will have to take every section of society together, from the farmer to the woman, to the youth and a new 'Yuva Yuga' will start."

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he added: "The faith and the confidence the people of this country have shown me, I am very much obliged. I have to do a lot of hard work and deliver."

Cabinet formula begins to emerge

Congress has not officially released the names of ministers, but sources said 13 leaders have been cleared for induction in the first phase.

The likely ministers include Yathindra, G Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa, UT Khader, KJ George, Krishna Byre Gowda, MB Patil, Priyank Kharge, Satish Jarkiholi, Ramalinga Reddy, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Byrati Suresh and Eshwar Khandre.

Particular attention has focused on Yathindra, the MLC and son of Siddaramaiah, who had earlier expressed confidence that the party leadership would induct him into the cabinet.

Sources said Shivakumar is expected to begin with a relatively small ministry before expanding it later. The Karnataka Council of Ministers can have a maximum of 34 members, including the Chief Minister.

Parameshwara likely to be sole deputy CM

One of the key questions ahead of the swearing-in was whether Congress would appoint multiple deputy chief ministers to balance caste and regional equations.

Sources said senior Dalit leader G Parameshwara is likely to be the only Deputy Chief Minister in the new government.

Earlier discussions had included the possibility of more than one deputy CM, with Priyank Kharge among the names under consideration.

Senior Congress leader H K Patil is also likely to be appointed Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, according to sources.

Siddaramaiah gets national role

Even as Shivakumar prepares to assume office, Congress has moved to give Siddaramaiah a larger organizational role by appointing him to the Congress Working Committee, the party's highest decision-making body.

The announcement was made through a statement issued by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal on June 2, less than a day before the oath ceremony.

Party leaders view the move as an effort to maintain organisational balance and ensure coordination between the Karnataka government and the Congress leadership. Sources also said the party is considering a coordination committee headed by Siddaramaiah to strengthen links between the government and the organization.

Senior leaders are also understood to have urged Siddaramaiah to accept a Rajya Sabha berth, although he is said to favour remaining active in state politics.

Stage set for swearing-in

Final preparations were completed at Lok Bhavan ahead of the ceremony.

In a departure from convention, the main stage at the Glass House was reportedly reoriented from west-facing to east-facing after Shivakumar expressed a preference to take oath facing east.

Sources said the change was made following astrological advice, prompting last-minute adjustments to seating arrangements, security plans, media enclosures and VIP access routes.

The ceremony was initially planned on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha before being shifted indoors.

According to sources, concerns over traffic disruption caused by a large influx of Congress workers and supporters influenced the decision to move the event to a more controlled venue.

Congress heavyweights to attend

Several senior Congress leaders are expected to attend the ceremony, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Chief ministers from Congress and INDIA bloc-ruled states, senior political leaders and other dignitaries are also expected to be present.

Religious leaders from major communities and heads of various maths have been invited as part of the party's outreach efforts.

Officials said invitees include students from a government school in Doddaalahalli, Shivakumar's native village in Kanakapura, along with representatives of farmer groups, labourers, civic workers, women's self-help groups and pro-Kannada organizations.

Tight security, traffic restrictions in place

Congress flags and banners featuring Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar, KC Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Siddaramaiah have been installed around the Vidhana Soudha and Lok Bhavan areas.

LED screens have also been set up to allow supporters outside the venue to watch the proceedings.

Police have deployed extensive security arrangements, with barricades placed on roads leading to the venue.

"Comprehensive security arrangements have been made. Since it is an indoor event with limited seating capacity, entry will be restricted to invited guests only," Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said.

Traffic advisories have been issued and measures put in place to minimise inconvenience to the public.

With large crowds expected, the Karnataka government has declared a half-day holiday on June 3 for employees working at Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha and the Multi-Storeyed Government Office Building.

As Karnataka prepares for a new political chapter, attention is already turning to the shape of Shivakumar's first cabinet and the balancing act that will define his tenure in office.