DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka Chief Minister

Congress leader D K Shivakumar took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday at Karnataka Lok Bhavan in the presence of Governor Thawarchand Gehlot. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal, and Mallikarjun Kharge.

The event also saw the participation of Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and Pradesh Congress Committee presidents from various states, along with Members of Parliament and senior party leaders.

In a notable move, the guest list included representatives from diverse sections of society. Religious leaders from different faiths were invited, along with students from the Government School at Doddalahalli in Kanakapura.

Daily wage workers, civic workers, farmer leaders, representatives of Dalit organisations, leaders of Backward Class organisations, women’s self-help groups, women leaders and youth leaders also attended the ceremony.

The invitees further included members of the media, the film industry, the judiciary, the sports fraternity, theatre personalities, writers, artists, industrialists, business leaders and representatives of the hospitality sector.

The broad-based invitation list was seen as an effort to highlight the new government’s commitment to inclusive governance and engagement with all sections of society.

Speaking ahead of the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Shivakumar said a “new era for youth” would begin in Karnataka under his leadership, while acknowledging the challenges that lay ahead.

Describing his elevation as a victory for Congress workers, he pledged to work with dedication for the people of the state.

“The party has given an opportunity to a worker. I am deeply grateful for the faith and confidence reposed in me. I know the road ahead will not be easy, but I will continue working hard for the people,” he said.

Shivakumar said Karnataka holds a crucial place in India’s growth story and stressed the need to take every section of society along on the path of development.

Emphasising inclusive governance, he said his government would work for farmers, women, youth and all sections of society.

Reflecting on his political journey, Shivakumar described his rise to the Chief Minister’s post as the result of perseverance and hard work.

“It has been a tough journey. Though it was delayed, it was not denied. This is not about Shivakumar alone; it is about every Congress worker who stood by the party and believed in its democratic traditions,” he said.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)