DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader
Bengaluru: Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday, paving the way for his swearing-in as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3.
The decision was taken at a CLP meeting held at Vidhana Soudha, where outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed Shivakumar's name, which was seconded by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and unanimously approved by party legislators.
The meeting was attended by senior Congress leaders K. C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, who oversaw the leadership transition process.
Following the meeting, the CLP passed a resolution expressing gratitude to Siddaramaiah for his leadership and contributions to both Karnataka and the Congress party.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah confirmed that he had resigned as CLP leader and Chief Minister. "The decision regarding the appointment of the next leader has been left to the party high command," he said.
Swearing-In Ceremony on June 3
Congress state working president GC Chandrashekhar announced that Shivakumar's swearing-in ceremony will take place on June 3 at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru. The exact timing will be announced later.
Chandrashekhar said the party had decided against making the event a large-scale public gathering despite initial discussions about arranging thousands of buses to transport supporters from across the state. Citing concerns over fuel shortages and traffic congestion, the Congress leadership opted for a simpler ceremony.
"The swearing-in should reflect a spirit of service and governance rather than extravagance," he said, appealing to party workers to avoid crowding the venue and ensure minimal inconvenience to the public.
Transition of Power Underway
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Siddaramaiah's resignation on Friday and dissolved the Council of Ministers, formally clearing the way for the formation of a new government.
Earlier on Saturday, Shivakumar met Governor Gehlot at Lok Bhavan to discuss arrangements related to the oath-taking ceremony and the formation of the new Council of Ministers.
He later visited the Bengaluru branch of Sri Kadasiddeshwara Mutt, a spiritual institution with which he has maintained a long-standing association. The mutt's main seat is located in Nonavinakere in Tumakuru district.
With Shivakumar's elevation, Karnataka is set to witness a significant leadership transition within the Congress government, marking a new chapter in the state's political landscape.
