Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar has appealed to Congress workers and supporters to avoid crowding around him during celebrations and refrain from presenting flower garlands at his swearing-in ceremony on June 3.
Ahead of the oath-taking event at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said arrangements for the ceremony would be kept simple and limited, urging party workers to cooperate with the organisers.
‘Please don’t bring flower garlands’
Making a special request to supporters, Shivakumar said he would not accept flower garlands because of an allergy.
“Please, no one should put flower garlands on me. I have an allergy and will not accept them,” he said, adding that he had effectively “banned” the practice for the occasion.
He also asked supporters not to crowd around him during the celebrations, though he welcomed those who wished to watch the event from outside the venue.
Celebration of a party worker’s journey
Acknowledging the excitement among Congress workers across Karnataka, Shivakumar said they had every reason to celebrate his elevation to the state’s highest office.
“It’s not just me becoming Chief Minister. A party worker is becoming Chief Minister,” he remarked.
Rise from student leader to Chief Minister
Reflecting on his political journey, Shivakumar recalled joining the Congress as a student leader in 1979-80 and gradually rising through the ranks.
He said his appointment symbolised the aspirations of ordinary party workers who dedicate years of service to the organisation.
The Congress leader’s swearing-in on June 3 marks a significant political milestone in Karnataka, with celebrations already taking place in several parts of the state.