D K Shivakumar Sworn In as Karnataka Chief Minister, Begins New Congress Era in State Politics

D K Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, marking a significant political transition in the southern state. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy at a grand ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar took the oath in the name of the revered seer "Gangadhar Ajja" while holding a copy of the Constitution. Alongside him, thirteen ministers, including a Deputy Chief Minister, were also sworn into office as part of the new cabinet.

The 64-year-old Vokkaliga leader was unanimously elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party on May 30 following the resignation of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister on May 28. Prior to assuming the top post, Shivakumar served as Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and played a key role in strengthening the Congress organization in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, along with Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states.

Religious leaders representing various faiths and heads of prominent maths also attended the event, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

Shivakumar's elevation to the Chief Minister's post is expected to shape Karnataka's political landscape ahead of future electoral battles, with the Congress leadership aiming to strengthen governance and development initiatives across the state.