DK Shivakumar was officially sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3, 2026, in a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar and 13 other ministers, marking a new chapter in the state's political landscape.
Oath Ceremony Details
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 11:30 AM, with senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief ministers, in attendance. The event was held under tight security, with thousands of party workers gathering outside the venue to celebrate the occasion.
List of Ministers
Along with Shivakumar, 13 ministers took oath, including prominent faces such as G. Parameshwara, K.J. George, and H.K. Patil. The cabinet reflects a balance of caste and regional representation, with six ministers from the Vokkaliga community, four from the Lingayat community, and three from Other Backward Classes.
Political Significance
Shivakumar's elevation to the top post comes after a period of intense political maneuvering within the Congress party. He succeeds Siddaramaiah, who stepped down following the party's victory in the 2023 assembly elections, but faced internal dissent. Shivakumar, a strong leader from the Vokkaliga community, is seen as a unifying figure capable of managing coalition dynamics.
Challenges Ahead
The new chief minister faces several challenges, including addressing the state's fiscal deficit, implementing the Congress party's five guarantees, and managing the drought situation in several districts. Shivakumar, known for his administrative experience, has promised to focus on development and inclusive governance.
The ceremony concluded with a brief address by Shivakumar, who thanked the party leadership and the people of Karnataka for their trust. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
