Karnataka Governor Gehlot (left) administers the oath to state CM-designate DK ShivakumaR (Photo: PTI)
Bengaluru, June 3: Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, marking a significant leadership transition in the southern state.
Alongside him, 13 legislators took oath as ministers in the new Cabinet, including senior Congress leader G Parameshwara, who is expected to serve as Deputy Chief Minister.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, where Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar and the other ministers.
The event was attended by top Congress leaders, including All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
In a symbolic gesture, Shivakumar took the oath in the name of seer Gangadhar Ajja while holding a copy of the Constitution. Parameshwara, who is set to assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister, took his oath in the name of Dr B R Ambedkar.
The other ministers sworn into the Cabinet were K H Muniyappa, K J George, M B Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byregowda, Priyank Kharge, U T Khader, Eshwar Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharan Prakash Patil.
Most of the ministers have prior experience in governance, having served in the earlier Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. U T Khader and Yathindra Siddaramaiah are the notable exceptions. Khader most recently served as Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, while Yathindra, a member of the Legislative Council, is the son of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Shivakumar, 64, emerged as the consensus choice for the top post after being elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party on May 30. His elevation followed Siddaramaiah's resignation as Chief Minister on May 28. Prior to taking charge, Shivakumar had been serving as Deputy Chief Minister and played a pivotal role in the Congress organisation in Karnataka.
A prominent Vokkaliga leader with a strong political base in southern Karnataka, Shivakumar's appointment is seen as an attempt by the Congress to consolidate its support among key communities while ensuring continuity in governance.
The ceremony drew a large gathering of political leaders and dignitaries. Apart from senior Congress functionaries such as K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, chief ministers from Congress-ruled states were also present.
Religious leaders representing various faiths and heads of prominent maths attended the event, reflecting the inclusive nature of the occasion.
The guest list also featured representatives from different sections of society, including labourers, civic workers, farmer leaders, women's self-help groups and pro-Kannada organisations.
In a personal touch, students from a government school in Doddaalahalli, Shivakumar's native village in Kanakapura, were invited to witness the historic ceremony.
The new government assumes office at a time when Karnataka faces challenges ranging from infrastructure development and employment generation to rural distress and urban governance. The composition of the Cabinet indicates a blend of experienced leaders and fresh faces, with the Congress leadership aiming to balance regional, caste and political considerations.
With Shivakumar now at the helm, attention will turn to the allocation of portfolios and the government's policy priorities in the coming weeks as the Congress seeks to deliver on its electoral promises and strengthen its position ahead of future political contests.
PTI