Venue Getting Ready for Swearing-In Ceremony of Next Karnataka CM

The preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of the next Chief Minister of Karnataka have already started in Bengaluru although Congress is yet to formally announce the name of the CM candidate.

Sources close to Oneindia have confirmed that in all possibility the swearing-in ceremony will be held at 3.30 pm tomorrow at Kanteerava Stadium. "Police have inspected the spot as well," the source added.

A picture of the venue getting ready is now available with Oneindia.

Both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have staked their claim for the top post following Congress' victory in the Assembly polls where it bagged 135 seats. Supporters of both leaders have indulged in hectic lobbying in support of their leaders.

Amid suspense over the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, the top claimants Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar met former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other leaders earlier in the day.

Reports claim that Siddaramaiah will be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka and KPCC President D K Shivakumar will be his deputy. The latter will also get six important portfolios. This development will drop curtains on the drama which began after the election results were out on Saturday.

On the other hand, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala has claimed that a decision on the next Karnataka Chief Minister will be announced today or tomorrow. However, a new cabinet will be in place within 72 hours, he added.

He also denied rumours which claimed that Siddaramaiah was likely to be named the Chief Minister once again.

"Delibrations are currently underway by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Whenever Congress makes a decision we will inform you. In the next 48-72 hours, we will have a new cabinet in Karnataka," he added.

Nonetheless, the supporters of Siddaramaiah have already started the celebration.

In the 224-member Assembly, Congress now has 135 members, while the BJP and JDS have 66 and 19, respectively.