DK Shivakumar Takes Oath as Karnataka Chief Minister, Holds Constitution During Swearing-In Ceremony

Senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday in a high-profile ceremony attended by the party's top leadership from across the country. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, marking the beginning of a new political chapter in the state.

One of the most striking moments of the ceremony came when Shivakumar took the oath while holding a copy of the Constitution of India in his hand. The gesture drew attention from party leaders and supporters, with many viewing it as a symbolic commitment to constitutional values and democratic principles.

The swearing-in ceremony turned into a show of strength for the Congress, with several senior leaders sharing the stage with the new Chief Minister. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal and a host of other senior leaders were present to witness the occasion.

Along with Shivakumar, a group of senior Congress legislators also took oath as ministers in the new Karnataka Cabinet. Among those inducted were G. Parameshwara, K.J. George, Ramalinga Reddy, Krishna Byre Gowda, U.T. Khader, M.B. Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge, Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Lakshmi Hebbalkar. G. Parameshwara was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister, giving him a key role in the new administration.

The composition of the Cabinet reflects the Congress leadership's effort to strike a balance between experience and fresh leadership while ensuring representation across regions and communities. The inclusion of several senior leaders is expected to provide stability as the new government begins its tenure.

Addressing supporters after the ceremony, Congress leaders expressed confidence that the new administration would focus on governance, welfare measures and development initiatives across Karnataka. The presence of the party's national leadership underscored the importance of the transition and highlighted the Congress' intent to project unity ahead of future political challenges.

With the oath-taking ceremony completed, attention will now shift to portfolio allocation and the policy roadmap that the Shivakumar-led government plans to pursue in the coming months.