DK Shivakumar Takes Oath as Karnataka Chief Minister, G Parameshwara Becomes Deputy CM

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Bengaluru: Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday in a ceremony that marked one of the most significant political transitions in the state in recent years. The oath-taking event, held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, drew senior Congress leadership from across the country, state legislators, religious leaders, and thousands of supporters who gathered to witness the rise of a leader who has spent decades building his political career within the party.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar, who took the pledge while holding a copy of the Constitution of India. The gesture attracted attention as the newly appointed Chief Minister invoked the name of revered seer Gangadhar Ajja during the ceremony, blending constitutional symbolism with his personal faith and cultural roots.

For many Congress workers, the moment represented the culmination of a long political journey. Shivakumar, known for his organizational abilities and strong influence in Karnataka politics, has often been regarded as one of the Congress party’s most effective strategists in the state. His elevation to the top post comes after years of serving in key ministerial roles and playing a crucial role in maintaining the party’s strength during challenging political periods.

The swearing-in ceremony carried significance beyond the formal transfer of power. It was attended by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, KC Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and chief ministers from several Congress-ruled states. Their presence highlighted the importance the party leadership attaches to Karnataka, one of the Congress’s most politically important states.

The political transition follows Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister on May 28. Shivakumar was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party on May 30 after extensive consultations within the party. The decision was viewed as an attempt to balance competing political interests while ensuring continuity in governance.

Alongside Shivakumar, veteran Congress leader G Parameshwara also took oath as a minister and is expected to serve as Deputy Chief Minister. Parameshwara, one of Karnataka’s most prominent Dalit leaders, took the oath in the name of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. His inclusion in the top leadership structure reflects the Congress party’s effort to maintain social and regional balance within the government.

Parameshwara brings considerable administrative experience to the new cabinet. He previously served as Karnataka’s Home Minister and also held the office of Deputy Chief Minister in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by HD Kumaraswamy between 2018 and 2019. Within the party organization, he is remembered for serving a record eight consecutive years as President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, a tenure during which he helped strengthen the party’s grassroots network across the state.

Several other senior Congress legislators were also sworn in as ministers. Among them were K.H. Muniyappa, K.J. George, M.B. Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, and U.T. Khader. The composition of the cabinet reflects a mix of experienced administrators and influential regional leaders, suggesting that the new government intends to maintain political stability while addressing the state’s governance priorities.

Political observers believe Shivakumar’s appointment could have far-reaching implications for Karnataka’s political landscape. As a prominent Vokkaliga leader with strong organizational support, he commands influence across several regions of the state. His leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the Congress party’s strategy not only in Karnataka but also in the broader national political context.

The new Chief Minister assumes office at a time when Karnataka faces multiple challenges, including infrastructure development, employment generation, investment attraction, urban expansion, and implementation of welfare schemes. Expectations are particularly high among Congress supporters who view the new administration as an opportunity to accelerate development projects while maintaining social welfare commitments.

Outside the venue, celebrations continued long after the ceremony concluded. Supporters waved party flags, distributed sweets, and expressed confidence that Shivakumar’s leadership would usher in a new phase of governance for the southern state. Many described the occasion as a historic moment for a leader who has remained at the center of Karnataka politics for decades.

With the swearing-in complete, attention will now shift from political ceremonies to governance. The coming weeks are expected to reveal the priorities of the new administration as Shivakumar and his cabinet begin the task of translating electoral promises into policy decisions. For Karnataka, the oath-taking ceremony was not merely a constitutional formality—it marked the beginning of a new political chapter whose impact will be closely watched across the country.