Senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, bringing an end to a prolonged leadership debate that had dominated political discussions for nearly two years.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, where Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar.

G. Parameshwara Takes Oath as Deputy Chief Minister

Alongside Shivakumar, senior Dalit leader G. Parameshwara, who previously served as Karnataka’s Home Minister, took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Twelve other ministers were also inducted into the new cabinet, marking the beginning of a new Congress-led administration in the state.

Top Congress Leaders Attend Ceremony

The oath-taking ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent Congress leaders, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at the HAL Airport in Bengaluru ahead of the swearing-in event.

Industry Leaders and Celebrities Present

The ceremony drew participation from several distinguished personalities from various fields. Among those present were Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble, actress Jayamala, and Kannada film star Shiva Rajkumar.

Their presence added significance to the high-profile political event.

Family Members Join Celebrations

Shivakumar’s wife Usha and daughter Aishwarya attended the swearing-in ceremony and joined in celebrating the landmark moment in his political career.

Sonia Gandhi Extends Congratulations

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi congratulated Shivakumar over the phone following his swearing-in. She also advised him to work collectively and carry all sections of the party along as he begins his tenure as Chief Minister.

New Chapter for Karnataka

With Shivakumar now at the helm, the Congress government is expected to focus on governance, development, and fulfilling its electoral commitments. His elevation to the state’s top post marks a significant milestone in Karnataka politics and a major achievement in his long political journey.

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Major Political Shift in Karnataka

In a major political development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has resigned from his post after weeks of political tension, internal conflict, and allegations within the ruling Congress party. The veteran leader submitted his resignation letter at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru and later confirmed the development during a press conference.

Following his resignation, discussions have intensified over Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar likely becoming the next Chief Minister of the state.

Siddaramaiah Thanks Congress High Command

Addressing the media after stepping down, Siddaramaiah said that the Congress high command had asked him to resign, and he respected the party’s decision.

He expressed gratitude to senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi for giving him the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister.

“I have submitted my resignation as Chief Minister of Karnataka. The high command asked me to step down, and I have followed their instructions,” Siddaramaiah stated during the press briefing in Bengaluru.

Emotional Final Cabinet Meeting

Before resigning, Siddaramaiah chaired his final cabinet meeting in Bengaluru, where he reportedly became emotional while addressing his cabinet colleagues.

Speaking to ministers, he said that during the last 20 years he may have shouted at or scolded some of them, but it was always done for the benefit of the party and the government.

“There was never anything personal in my actions. Whatever I did was for the interest of the party and the government. Thank you all for supporting me for so many years,” he told his cabinet members.

Resignation Submitted to Governor’s Office

Siddaramaiah said he had submitted his resignation letter at Lok Bhavan. However, since the Governor was not present in Bengaluru at the time, the letter was officially sent to the Governor’s office.

“The Governor is currently away and is expected to return tonight. My resignation letter has been forwarded to his office,” he said.

High Command Directed Resignation

The outgoing Chief Minister further revealed that the Congress leadership had instructed him two days ago to resign from the post.

“I had already told everyone that whenever the high command asked me to resign, I would do so. Two days ago, they asked me to step down, and today I have resigned,” Siddaramaiah added.

The resignation marks a significant turning point in Karnataka politics, with all eyes now on the Congress leadership’s next move regarding the appointment of the new Chief Minister.

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