Siddaramaiah takes oath as 22nd CM of Karnataka

Bangalore, May 13: K Siddaramaiah on Monday took oath as the 22nd chief minister of Karnataka. The former JD(S) leader had become the deputy chief minister twice but could become the chief minister only after joining the Congress.

Siddaramaiah was sworn in by state Governor H R Bhardwaj.

Siddaramaiah, who was chosen on May 10 as the Congress Legislature Party leader in a hotly-contested race, edging out party veteran and Union labour minister M Mallikarjuna Kharge.

Though Siddaramaiah was the front-runner for th CM's post, his selection came only after AICC observers headed by Defence Minister AK Antony asking party legislators to express their choice in writting.

After taking consent of AICC Chief Sonia Gandhi and party vice pesident Rahul Gandhi, Antony announced in the Congress Legislature Party meeting the election of Siddaramaiah, who had joined the Congress from the JD(S) six years ago.

Meawnhile, with Siddaramaiah all set to install his Cabinet next week, lobbying for ministerial berths has gained pace.

The Congress returned got a massive mandate in the recent assembly election and returned to power after nine years.

The BJP, which was leading the previous government, was routed in the polls.

Read: Profile of an honest politician

OneIndia News

(With PTI inputs)