DK Shivakumar To Take Oath As Karnataka CM
DK Shivakumar is set to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister today, marking a major leadership transition in the Congress government after Siddaramaiah stepped down from the post.
DK Shivakumar Oath Ceremony In Bengaluru
Shivakumar will be sworn in at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru at around 4 pm. The ceremony is expected to remain relatively low-key, with Congress leaders, newly selected ministers and party functionaries in attendance.
The change comes after months of internal speculation over the leadership arrangement in Karnataka, where Siddaramaiah had led the government since the Congress returned to power in 2023.
Karnataka Congress Leadership Change
The transition follows long-running discussions within the Congress over a reported rotational chief ministership formula. While the party had never officially confirmed such an agreement, supporters of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had repeatedly raised the issue after the government completed two years.
Shivakumar, who served as Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress chief, has long been seen as one of the party’s key organisational figures in southern India.
Siddaramaiah Steps Down Amid Congress Reshuffle
Siddaramaiah’s resignation cleared the way for Shivakumar’s elevation. The Congress leadership has also moved to retain Siddaramaiah’s role within the party structure, with efforts aimed at balancing factional equations after the change.
The new Cabinet is expected to include a mix of senior leaders and fresh faces, with caste, regional and factional representation likely to play an important role in the selection.
Congress Gains Momentum In South India
The leadership change in Karnataka comes after a politically significant election cycle in southern India. The Congress-led UDF returned to power in Kerala, while the party also became part of the new government in Tamil Nadu after backing TVK leader Vijay following a hung Assembly verdict.
