Congress Legislature Party meeting scheduled at Vidhana Soudha as Karnataka prepares for DK Shivakumar’s swearing-in ceremony on Monday
Bengaluru: Preparations are underway for a major political transition in Karnataka as senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of the state during an oath-taking ceremony expected to be held on Monday at the iconic Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
The swearing-in ceremony follows the resignation of Siddaramaiah from the Chief Minister’s post and marks the beginning of a new phase in Karnataka Congress politics after weeks of intense speculation surrounding leadership change and power-sharing arrangements.
Sources indicated that DK Shivakumar is likely to take oath during the auspicious “Godhuli Lagna” timing on Monday evening, along with eight ministers who are expected to join the new cabinet.
Congress Legislature Party Meeting Scheduled at Vidhana Soudha
Before the swearing-in ceremony, a crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting will be held at the conference hall of Vidhana Soudha at 4 pm on Sunday.
During the meeting, DK Shivakumar’s name is expected to be formally proposed as the new leader of the Congress Legislature Party, paving the way for him to officially stake claim to form the next government in Karnataka.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah is likely to propose Shivakumar’s name, while senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala are expected to oversee the approval process on behalf of the party high command.
Following the CLP meeting, DK Shivakumar is expected to meet Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and formally submit his claim to form the new cabinet.
“The leadership transition process is almost complete, and the final formalities are expected to be completed during the CLP meeting,” party sources indicated.
DK Shivakumar Swearing-In Preparations Intensify
Preparations for the oath-taking ceremony are reportedly progressing rapidly at Vidhana Soudha, where arrangements are being made for a grand political event attended by senior Congress leaders and invited guests.
Sources stated that DK Shivakumar had initially shown interest in taking oath alone as Chief Minister during the first phase of government formation.
However, senior Congress leaders are reportedly pressuring the leadership to include at least eight ministers in the first round of cabinet formation to ensure political balance and representation across different regions and communities.
Discussions regarding the allocation of ministerial portfolios and possible deputy chief minister appointments are still underway within the Congress party.
Political observers believe the composition of the initial cabinet could play a crucial role in maintaining internal party balance following the leadership transition.
Rahul Gandhi Expected to Take Final Decision
According to party insiders, the final decision regarding the number of ministers taking oath and other cabinet-related matters is expected to be taken by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after consultations with the party high command.
The Congress leadership is currently focused on ensuring a smooth transfer of power while balancing factional interests within the Karnataka unit.
Interestingly, DK Shivakumar, who had remained silent over the past few days amid intense political speculation, broke his silence and officially informed leaders about the upcoming CLP meeting.
His statement has further strengthened indications that the Congress leadership has nearly finalised the transition process.
Karnataka Congress Enters New Political Phase
The swearing-in of DK Shivakumar is expected to mark a significant political shift in Karnataka, where Congress has been managing internal power-sharing discussions since forming the government after the 2023 Assembly elections.
Political analysts believe the new leadership could reshape administrative priorities, cabinet dynamics, and future electoral strategies for the ruling Congress party.
Several senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, and Randeep Surjewala, are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony if the schedule is finalised as planned.
