DK Shivakumar to Be Sworn In as Karnataka Chief Minister Today
DK Shivakumar to Be Sworn In as Karnataka Chief Minister Today
Digital Desk: Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar will be sworn in as Chief Minister on June 3, ending months of speculation about the state's leadership transition.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath at 4.05 pm at Lok Bhavan, with several ministers also expected to take oath during the initial cabinet formation, though the final list remains unannounced.
Shivakumar, following the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah takes up the state's highest political role. Upon his return to Bengaluru from New Delhi, he addressed the media, stating that the speculated names for ministerial positions were not confirmed and that the Congress leadership would ultimately decide the cabinet composition.
Shivakumar mentioned, "The high command will send the list of names, we will discuss it and share our opinion. The final decision will be taken in Delhi." He is expected to chair his first cabinet meeting soon after the swearing-in ceremony and will subsequently meet with various Congress leaders and office-bearers at Bharat Jodo Bhavan.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka government is set to take place, with prominent Congress figures expected to attend, including Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal, and party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala. Additionally, Chief Ministers and senior leaders from Congress-ruled states and the INDIA bloc are likely to be present.
Originally planned as an elaborate public ceremony at Vidhana Soudha, the event has been moved to Lok Bhavan and scaled down due to concerns regarding potential traffic congestion and crowd control in Bengaluru.
Invitations have been extended to a diverse range of societal representatives, including farmers, labourers, women's self-help groups, civic workers, and pro-Kannada organisations. Students from Shivakumar's native village, Doddaalahalli, are also anticipated to attend.
Prior to the swearing-in, extensive discussions took place in New Delhi among Congress leadership, including Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, concerning the upcoming formation of the new Council of Ministers. There is currently considerable lobbying among ministerial aspirants, given that the Karnataka cabinet can accommodate up to 34 members, including the Chief Minister.
In preparation for the event, significant security measures have been established around Lok Bhavan, leading Bengaluru Police to restrict entry to only invited guests due to limited seating. Traffic advisories have also been released to alleviate public inconvenience. To manage the anticipated crowd and traffic issues surrounding the venue, the Karnataka government has declared a half-day holiday for employees at Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha, and the Multi-Storeyed Government Office Building.
