D.K. Shivakumar Set to Lead Karnataka
D.K. Shivakumar, a prominent Congress leader, is scheduled to take oath as Karnataka's 25th Chief Minister on June 3, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Lok Bhavan Glass House in Bengaluru, a significant event marking a shift in the state's political leadership.
This development follows the resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which came after months of intense speculation and internal discussions within the Congress party regarding a leadership change. The transition is understood to be part of a carefully orchestrated leadership arrangement worked out by the party's high command in Delhi.
Cabinet Formation Underway
Sources indicate that approximately eight to ten ministers are expected to be sworn in alongside the 64-year-old Shivakumar during the initial ceremony. The remaining ministerial positions are anticipated to be filled and announced after the Rajya Sabha elections, scheduled for June 18.
Shivakumar is expected to be formally elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party on Saturday, a procedural step that will officially designate him as the Chief Minister-designate before his oath-taking.
The Road to Chief Ministership
The path to Shivakumar's appointment has been marked by a prolonged power tussle within the Karnataka Congress. He has been a consistent contender for the top post since the party's decisive victory in the 2023 Assembly polls.
Speculation surrounding a rotational Chief Minister arrangement had persisted since the Congress formed the government, with Siddaramaiah widely expected to step down after completing two-and-a-half years in office. These rumors intensified after Siddaramaiah reached this milestone in November last year.
The leadership change was finalized after days of high-level consultations in Delhi, involving Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar with senior Congress figures including MP Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala. Siddaramaiah reportedly informed his cabinet colleagues about his decision to step down during a breakfast meeting on Thursday, indicating Shivakumar as his successor in line with the party's directives. While a national role and a Rajya Sabha seat were reportedly offered to Siddaramaiah, sources suggest he has not yet accepted this proposal. Speculation also surrounds the potential inclusion of Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra, in the new cabinet.
Final Preparations and Future Outlook
Discussions held in Delhi on Friday, involving the Congress leadership, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar, focused heavily on the structure of the new cabinet. Indications suggest the reshuffle could feature a blend of experienced ministers from the outgoing government and fresh faces. As Shivakumar prepares for his June 3 oath, the Congress leadership is now in the final stages of cementing this significant political transition in Karnataka.