Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar is expected to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3 at 3 PM, according to sources, marking a significant political transition in the state following the resignation of Siddaramaiah.
The development comes amid intense political activity within the ruling Congress as the party moves to formalise its leadership change. Shivakumar met Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Lok Bhavan on Saturday to informally discuss the swearing-in arrangements and the formation of the new Council of Ministers.
According to sources, the meeting was held ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled later in the day, where Shivakumar is expected to be elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party. Following the CLP meeting, he is likely to formally stake claim to form the government and seek the Governor’s approval for the June 3 swearing-in ceremony.
While sources indicate that June 3 remains the most likely date for the oath-taking ceremony, discussions are still underway regarding the venue. The Congress leadership is reportedly considering whether the event should be held at Lok Bhavan or on the iconic steps of Vidhana Soudha. Preparatory activities have already been observed in the vicinity of Vidhana Soudha, fueling speculation about a grand public ceremony.
The urgency in finalising the arrangements is linked to Governor Gehlot’s scheduled visit to Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district, where he is expected to attend an event involving the Vice President on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Shivakumar said that the CLP meeting would be conducted in the presence of party-appointed observers, who would subsequently consult the Congress high command before announcing the final decision on leadership.
“A CLP meeting will be held in Bengaluru at 4 PM. Our two observers will arrive. We will conduct the CLP meeting in their presence, and subsequently, they will take a call after consulting with the High Command,” Shivakumar said.
When asked about his possible elevation to the Chief Minister’s post, he maintained that the matter would be decided only after the election of the CLP leader.
The leadership transition follows Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 28. The veteran leader stated that his decision to step down was voluntary and based on the guidance of the party leadership.
In recent days, Shivakumar has held consultations in New Delhi with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The discussions reportedly focused on the selection of the new legislative leader, pending Rajya Sabha nominations, and organisational restructuring within the Karnataka unit of the Congress.
If confirmed, Shivakumar’s elevation will mark the culmination of months of speculation over the Congress leadership arrangement in Karnataka. Widely regarded as one of the party’s most influential leaders in the state, Shivakumar has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Congress organisation and electoral machinery.
His swearing-in is expected to usher in a new phase for the Karnataka government, with attention now turning to the composition of the new Cabinet and the policy priorities of the incoming administration. Official confirmation regarding the date and venue of the ceremony is awaited.
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