DK Shivakumar Swearing-In Today: Around 13 Ministers Expected To Join New Karnataka Government

Karnataka is set to witness a significant political transition on Wednesday as Congress leader DK Shivakumar prepares to take oath as the state's Chief Minister. After decades in active politics and years of being considered a contender for the top post, Shivakumar is finally poised to assume charge, succeeding Siddaramaiah and beginning a new phase for both the state government and the Congress party.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 4:05 pm at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, where Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath of office and secrecy. A group of ministers is also expected to join Shivakumar in the first phase of cabinet formation.

Years of Political Persistence Lead to Top Office

For the 64-year-old Congress state president and eight-time MLA, the moment represents the culmination of a long political journey. Widely regarded as one of Congress's strongest leaders in southern India, Shivakumar has spent years building his influence within the party while playing a central role in Karnataka politics.

Known for his ability to manage political crises and organisational challenges, he was instrumental in keeping the Congress machinery intact during turbulent periods. His elevation comes after Siddaramaiah stepped down following instructions from the party leadership, paving the way for a transition that had been under discussion for months.

The development is being closely monitored not only in Karnataka but also across the national Congress leadership, where Shivakumar is viewed as a key regional power centre.

Shivakumar Outlines Priorities for Karnataka

Ahead of taking oath, Shivakumar reflected on his political rise and described the achievement as the result of commitment and perseverance.

"It was not a dream. It was a dedication. Dedication with hard work. So it was a tough, troubling time. Though it has been delayed, it was not denied," he said in an interview.

Speaking about his relationship with the Congress leadership, Shivakumar credited the Nehru-Gandhi family for supporting him throughout his political career.

"That is the commitment I had with the Gandhi family, and they believed in me, and they gave me various opportunities," Shivakumar said.

He also praised senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Sonia Gandhi sacrificed; she could have become the Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi could have become the Prime Minister, but they did not."

Looking ahead, Shivakumar said his government would focus on inclusive development and position Karnataka as a major contributor to India's progress.

"The world is seeing India through Bengaluru and Karnataka," he said.

"I will have to take every section of society together, from the farmer to the woman, to the youth and a new 'Yuva Yuga' will start."

He also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the office, stating, "The faith and the confidence the people of this country have shown me, I am very much obliged. I have to do a lot of hard work and deliver."

Cabinet Formation and Deputy CM Decision

While Congress has yet to officially announce the first cabinet list, sources indicate that around 13 ministers could be sworn in alongside Shivakumar.

Among those expected to join the ministry are Yathindra, G Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa, UT Khader, KJ George, Krishna Byre Gowda, MB Patil, Priyank Kharge, Satish Jarkiholi, Ramalinga Reddy, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Byrati Suresh and Eshwar Khandre.

Particular attention has been focused on Yathindra, the son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose possible inclusion has generated considerable discussion within party circles.

The new Chief Minister is expected to begin with a smaller team before expanding the cabinet later. Under constitutional provisions, the Karnataka Council of Ministers can have up to 34 members, including the Chief Minister.

Sources also suggest that senior Dalit leader G Parameshwara is likely to be the sole Deputy Chief Minister, ending speculation over the possibility of multiple deputy CMs. Senior Congress leader H K Patil is meanwhile expected to be chosen as Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.

Siddaramaiah's New Role and Grand Oath Ceremony

Even as power shifts to Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah is expected to continue playing an important role within the party. Congress has appointed him to the Congress Working Committee, the organisation's highest decision-making body, signalling his continued influence in national affairs.

The party is also considering the formation of a coordination committee under Siddaramaiah to strengthen communication between the government and the organisation. Discussions are also said to be underway regarding a possible Rajya Sabha role, though Siddaramaiah reportedly prefers to remain engaged in Karnataka politics.

Preparations for the oath ceremony have been completed at Lok Bhavan, where organisers made several last-minute adjustments. In an unusual move, the main stage at the Glass House was reportedly reoriented so that Shivakumar could take oath facing east, following astrological advice.

Senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, are expected to attend. Chief ministers from Congress and INDIA bloc-ruled states, political dignitaries and religious leaders have also been invited.

Special invitees include students from a government school in Doddaalahalli, Shivakumar's native village in Kanakapura, along with representatives of farmer organisations, labour groups, civic workers, women's self-help groups and pro-Kannada organisations.

Tight Security and Traffic Measures in Place

Authorities have put extensive security arrangements in place around Lok Bhavan and surrounding areas ahead of the event. Congress flags, banners and LED screens have been installed to accommodate the large number of supporters expected to gather outside the venue.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said, "Comprehensive security arrangements have been made. Since it is an indoor event with limited seating capacity, entry will be restricted to invited guests only."

Traffic advisories have also been issued across the city. Anticipating heavy movement near the venue, the Karnataka government has declared a half-day holiday on June 3 for employees working at Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha and the Multi-Storeyed Government Office Building.

As DK Shivakumar prepares to take oath, attention is now turning to the composition of his cabinet and how he balances competing political interests while steering Karnataka's next government.