DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka CM, G Parameshwara sworn in as Deputy CM

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot (left) administers the oath to state CM-designate DK Shivakumar during the swearing-in ceremony of the new state government, in Bengaluru. PIC/PTI

Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Wednesday took oath as the 34th Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, marking a major leadership transition in the state. Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara was sworn in as the Deputy CM.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar, who took the oath while carrying a copy of the Constitution of India. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, religious heads and dignitaries from across the country.

The first batch of ministers inducted into the new cabinet includes KH Muniyappa, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Sathish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, UT Khader, Eshwar Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharan Prakash Patil.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal were among the prominent leaders present at the event, signalling the party's support for the new leadership in Karnataka.

Shivakumar, one of the Congress party's most influential leaders in the state, has represented the Kanakapura Assembly Constituency for eight consecutive terms and has served as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President since 2020. He played a key role in the party's victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections and has been instrumental in strengthening the organisation in the state.

Shivakumar seeks blessings of seers before taking oath as CM

Ahead of the ceremony, Shivakumar met several religious leaders and sought the blessings of seers who had gathered for the occasion. He also sought blessings from his mother by touching her feet before proceeding to take the oath of office.

The ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, including Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who praised Shivakumar's contribution to the party.

"It's a good thing, DK Shivakumar has been a party worker for quite a long time, he was the state president, and this decision has come under an agreement. He will take forward the policies of Congress established by Siddaramaiah in 3 years," Sukhu told ANI.

Shivakumar succeeds Siddaramaiah as CM following consultations within the Congress leadership.

(With ANI inputs)