Karnataka witnessed a significant political transition as D K Shivakumar formally assumed office as Chief Minister, with senior Congress leaders from across the country attending the high-profile swearing-in ceremony in Bengaluru.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi arrived from New Delhi to participate in the event. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary K C Venugopal, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala and several Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states were also present.
Former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who attended the ceremony, expressed confidence in the party’s leadership. He said the Congress had taken the right decision and believed both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would work together to strengthen the party.
New Cabinet begins taking shape
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of power from Siddaramaiah to Shivakumar following months of internal discussions within the Congress.
Several senior leaders, including G Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge and Yathindra Siddaramaiah, were expected to be part of the new Cabinet, signalling continuity as well as a fresh leadership approach.
Journey from Kanakapura to Chief Minister
Born in Kanakapura in 1962, Shivakumar began his political journey as a student leader before entering electoral politics in the 1980s. He won his first Assembly election in 1989 and went on to become one of Karnataka’s most influential Congress leaders.
An eight-time MLA and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, he earned a reputation as the party’s “troubleshooter” due to his role in managing several political crises and strengthening the Congress organisation.
Supporters celebrate historic moment
Supporters across Karnataka celebrated Shivakumar’s elevation to the state’s highest office. Special prayers were organised at temples, while Kanakapura witnessed celebrations with banners and congratulatory messages.
Having served as Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president, Shivakumar now takes on the responsibility of leading Karnataka at a crucial time. His swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.