DK Shivakumar Sworn In as Karnataka’s 18th Chief Minister, Marks Beginning of New Political Chapter

Congress leader DK Shivakumar was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday in a high-profile ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. The oath-taking event marked a significant political transition in the southern state, bringing an end to months of speculation over the leadership arrangement within the ruling Congress party.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar in the presence of senior Congress leaders, party workers, supporters, and dignitaries from across the country. Veteran Congress leader G Parameshwar also took oath as Deputy Chief Minister, becoming the second-highest-ranking member of the new government.

Alongside the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, 13 cabinet ministers were inducted into the Karnataka government. The newly sworn-in ministers include 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.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and several chief ministers and senior leaders from opposition parties. Massive crowds gathered near the venue, while security arrangements were significantly strengthened across Bengaluru to ensure the event proceeded smoothly.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar met several senior leaders and sought blessings from religious seers and his family members before heading to the ceremony. He also expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, for their guidance and support throughout his political journey.

The formation of the new government follows a long-standing power-sharing understanding within the Congress. After the party’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, an arrangement was reportedly reached under which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would share leadership responsibilities during the five-year term. With Shivakumar now assuming the state’s top office, the transition represents the next phase of that political agreement.

The new Chief Minister is expected to focus on governance reforms, infrastructure development, welfare initiatives, and implementation of the Congress party’s electoral commitments. Cabinet portfolios are likely to be allocated in the coming days, while a further expansion of the ministry may take place at a later stage.

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The swearing-in of DK Shivakumar signals a new era in Karnataka politics and will be closely watched for its impact on both state governance and national political dynamics.