Bengaluru, June 3: A leadership transition in Karnataka formally took effect on Wednesday as D. K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka during a ceremony held at the Glass House within the Lok Bhavan premises in Bengaluru. The event marked the beginning of a new administration in the state and drew the participation of senior Congress leaders, constitutional authorities and party workers.
Amid chants and slogans from supporters gathered at the venue, Shivakumar entered the dais and paid floral tributes to the portrait of Veera Gangadhara Swamiji, popularly known as Ajjayya, Nonavinakere Ajja or Veera Gangadhara Ajja. Following the tribute, he proceeded to take the oath of office and secrecy.
Shivakumar took the oath while holding a copy of the Constitution and invoked the name of Veera Gangadhara Ajja, whom he regards as his spiritual guide. The swearing-in ceremony began with the rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Karnataka State Police Band. The state anthem was also played during the proceedings.
The programme was attended by several senior political and constitutional figures. Among those present were Vibhu Bakhru, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revanth Reddy, K. C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, along with other senior Congress functionaries.
Before the formal oath-taking process commenced, Shivakumar felicitated outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by draping a shawl over his shoulders. The gesture marked the transition of leadership within the state government.
Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh welcomed dignitaries and guests attending the event. She later sought the permission of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to proceed with the swearing-in ceremony, following which the formal proceedings began.
The ceremony concluded with Shivakumar officially assuming charge as Chief Minister, ushering in a new phase in Karnataka’s political administration. The event underscored the significance of the leadership change, witnessed by senior party leadership, government officials and a large gathering of supporters in Bengaluru.
