Akshay DidwaniyaAfter months of political anticipation and internal party negotiations, senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka’s 25th Chief Minister on June 3, 2026, at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru marking a historic leadership shift in the state.
A New Chapter Begins for Karnataka Politics
Karnataka is waking up to a major political shift today one that has been years in the making. Senior Congress leader Doddalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar, widely known as DK Shivakumar, is all set to take the oath of office as the state’s 25th Chief Minister on June 3, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Glass House inside Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru, at 4:05 PM. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath to the 64-year-old politician.
The transition marks the end of a long-drawn chapter in Karnataka’s Congress government and the beginning of a new one.
Siddaramaiah Steps Down, Clears the Way
The drama that led to today’s ceremony started weeks ago. Siddaramaiah, the outgoing 77-year-old Chief Minister, resigned from his post on Thursday ending months of intense speculation about a leadership change. He submitted his resignation to the Governor’s Special Secretary at Lok Bhavan while Governor Gehlot was away from Bengaluru for personal reasons. The resignation was formally accepted a day later.
On the morning of his resignation, Siddaramaiah gathered his cabinet colleagues at his Bengaluru residence over breakfast. He informed them of his decision to step down and made it clear that Shivakumar would take over, in line with directions from the Congress high command.
Unanimous Choice : No Opposition, No Drama
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) met at Vidhana Soudha, where DK Shivakumar’s name as the new CLP leader was proposed by Siddaramaiah himself. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara seconded the nomination. Not a single voice of dissent emerged the decision was unanimous. Senior Congress general secretaries KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala were present to oversee the smooth proceedings.
Party leaders described the handover as orderly and without friction a rare sight in Indian politics.
A Power-Sharing Deal That Finally Delivered
Ever since Congress stormed back to power in Karnataka’s 2023 Assembly elections winning 135 seats in a 224-member House there had been persistent talk of a rotational chief ministerial arrangement. Under this widely discussed formula, Siddaramaiah was expected to complete roughly two-and-a-half years before handing over the reins to Shivakumar. Neither leader had publicly acknowledged this arrangement at the time but everyone in the party knew it existed.
Shivakumar, who had served as Deputy Chief Minister throughout this period, waited his turn patiently. His moment has now arrived.
Delhi Meetings Sealed the Deal
The leadership transition did not happen overnight. Days before the announcement, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were summoned to Delhi. They held back-to-back meetings with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and party general secretaries KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala. The Congress high command weighed in and the decision came down in Shivakumar’s favour.
A Simple Ceremony, a Big Moment
The swearing-in today is expected to be a low-key affair. Party leaders have specifically requested supporters not to travel to Bengaluru in large numbers to prevent traffic jams and public inconvenience. No passes will be issued for general public attendance. Only legislators and VVIPs are expected inside. Around 55 religious leaders, including seers, Muslim clerics, and Christian priests, have been invited to bless the occasion. Governor Gehlot personally reviewed the security and venue arrangements on Tuesday.
The Karnataka government has declared a half-day holiday for employees at Vidhana Soudha, Raj Bhavan, Vikasa Soudha, and the M.S. Building given the heavy traffic expected around Lok Bhavan.
Cabinet Shape-Up Still in Progress
Around eight to ten ministers are expected to take their oath alongside Shivakumar today. The remaining cabinet members could be sworn in after the Rajya Sabha elections on June 18. Reports suggest the new cabinet may include two Deputy Chief Ministers. Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra Siddaramaiah is likely to find a berth as a minister with his portfolio, possibly the social welfare department, still being finalised.
What Lies Ahead
Shivakumar steps into office with significant expectations resting on his shoulders. He is known as one of the Congress party’s most skilled political organisers a reputation built over decades of navigating Karnataka’s complex caste politics. His immediate agenda is expected to centre on administrative efficiency, welfare scheme delivery, and holding the party together ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
After the oath ceremony, Shivakumar plans to visit each district personally to thank party workers and supporters rather than summoning them to Bengaluru.
Karnataka’s long political wait is finally over. For DK Shivakumar, today is not just an oath it is the fulfilment of a promise made three years ago.
Mayur Mohta
Aditya Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
