On Wednesday, 3 June 2026, D.K. Shivakumar arrived at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru, to take oath as Karnataka’s next Chief Minister, succeeding Siddaramaiah who stepped down to pave the way for the leadership change. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath, while 13 Congress legislators were sworn in alongside him in the first phase of cabinet formation.
The event marks the culmination of Shivakumar’s years of political service and his unanimous election as Congress Legislature Party leader on 29 May 2026, with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in attendance.
A moment of perseverance recognised
Shivakumar, a long-time Congress troubleshooter in southern India and former Deputy Chief Minister, took his mother Gowramma’s blessings before the ceremony, symbolising the personal journey behind his public milestone. Outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed Shivakumar’s name at the CLP meeting, calling it a transition rooted in gratitude and continuity, while Deputy Chief Minister-designate G. Parameshwara seconded the motion. Senior Congress leader Eshwar Khandre, set to join the cabinet, stated: “This is a proud moment for the party and for Karnataka, as we begin a new chapter focused on development and inclusive governance”.
Path to the Glass House
Shivakumar’s elevation follows the Congress party’s victory in the Karnataka state elections and Siddaramaiah’s decision to rotate the chief ministership after his term. The CLP meeting on 29 May unanimously elected Shivakumar as leader, formally clearing his path to the top post.
The new cabinet is expected to balance regional, caste, and factional interests, with likely portfolio allocations including Priyank Kharge for Home and G. Parameshwara for Revenue. The ceremony at Lok Bhavan’s Glass House, reflects the party’s emphasis on a modern, accessible image for the new government.
In the first phase of cabinet formation, 13 legislators were sworn in alongside Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, with portfolio allocations expected to balance regional, caste, and factional interests across Karnataka. Senior Congress leader Priyank Kharge is likely to receive the Home portfolio, while Deputy Chief Minister-designate G. Parameshwara is expected to be given Revenue, marking a significant shift from their previous roles.
Senior leader Eshwar Khandre, who will also join the cabinet, described the moment as “proud for the party and Karnataka as we begin a new chapter focused on development and inclusive governance”. The full cabinet expansion is anticipated in subsequent phases as the new government works to ensure representation from all major regions including North Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka, and South Karnataka.
Shivakumar as the Deputy CM
D.K. Shivakumar served as Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister from 20 May 2023 until his elevation to Chief Minister on 3 June 2026, marking his first time holding the deputy post in his four-decade political career. Entering politics at age 18 through the NSUI and first elected to the Assembly in 1989, he built a reputation as Congress’s trusted “troubleshooter” who handled critical political crises, winning eight consecutive Assembly elections without defeat.
When asked why he accepted the deputy role under Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar explained: “Sometimes ice should break,” emphasising that he prioritised the larger interests of the Congress party over personal ambition. As Deputy CM, he led the party’s 2023 Karnataka campaign from the front, winning his seat with 75% vote share while engineering Congress’s return to power statewide, and honed his organisational strength before becoming the state’s Chief Minister.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian welcomes this peaceful transfer of power as a testament to India’s democratic strength and the Congress party’s internal democracy. Leadership transitions rooted in mutual respect, as seen in Siddaramaiah’s gracious exit and Shivakumar’s humble arrival, model the dialogue, kindness, and harmony we champion.
As Karnataka embarks on this new chapter, we hope the government prioritises social justice, disability inclusion, rural development, and Bengaluru’s urban challenges while fostering empathy across communities. What positive change would you most like to see from Shivakumar’s cabinet in its first 100 days?
Read More: Siddaramaiah Set To Exit As DK Shivakumar Takes Oath As Karnataka Chief Minister On June 3
Live: Swearing-in Ceremony | ನೇರ ಪ್ರಸಾರ : ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ವಚನ ಸ್ವೀಕಾರ ಸಮಾರಂಭ https://t.co/uz7ejQxlcV
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) June 3, 2026
