Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 34th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, marking a significant leadership transition in the state. Senior Congress leader G. Parameshwara also took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister.
Shivakumar took the oath of office while carrying a copy of the Constitution of India. The ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, religious heads and dignitaries from across the country.
A prominent Congress leader in Karnataka, Shivakumar has represented the Kanakapura Assembly constituency for eight consecutive terms and has served as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president since 2020. He played a key role in the party’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections and has been credited with strengthening the organisation in the state.
Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Shivakumar met several religious leaders and sought their blessings. He also sought the blessings of his mother before proceeding to the oath-taking event.
Several Congress leaders welcomed the leadership transition. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Shivakumar had worked for the party for many years and would carry forward the policies implemented by the previous Congress government in the state.
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla congratulated Shivakumar and described him as a dynamic leader. He also praised the smooth transfer of power and said the decision reflected the party leadership’s confidence in him.
The swearing-in marks a major political development in Karnataka, with Shivakumar succeeding Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister following consultations within the Congress leadership.
The Congress has also finalised the first batch of ministers to be inducted into the new cabinet. Along with Shivakumar and Parameshwara, K.H. Muniyappa, K.J. George, M.B. Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Sathish Jarakiholi, Krishna Byregowda, Priyank Kharge, U.T. Khader, Eshwar Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh and Sharan Prakash Patil are set to take oath as ministers.
-ANI
