DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka CM, bringing two-year leadership tussle to an end

A 13-member cabinet was also sworn in at the ceremony, with senior leader G Parameshwara taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

The cabinet includes UT Khader, MB Patil, KJ George, KH Muniyappa, Satish Jarkiholi, Ramalinga Reddy, Krishna Byregowda, Priyank Kharge, Ishwar Khandre, Byrathi Suresh, Sharan Prakash Patil and Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

Constitution symbolism at oath ceremony

A notable moment during the swearing-in ceremony was Shivakumar carrying a copy of the Constitution while taking oath, continuing a symbolic trend adopted by Congress leaders after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

DK Shivakumar symbolically carried the copy of the Constitution during his oath, following his party's trend since the 2024 LS polls. Photo: Official Facebook.

Several Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had carried copies of the Constitution while taking oath as Members of Parliament, accusing the NDA government of undermining constitutional values.

Top Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attended the event.

Parameshwara named Deputy CM in balancing move

The appointment of G Parameshwara as Deputy Chief Minister is being viewed as an attempt by the Congress to maintain political and social balance within the state unit.

G Parameshwara took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday. Photo: Facebook/DK Shivakumar.

An influential Dalit leader and former Karnataka home minister, Parameshwara is considered close to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose support among the AHINDA coalition — backward classes, Dalits and minorities — remains significant.

NDTV, qouting party sources, indicated that the cabinet is likely to be expanded after the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

End of a long succession battle

Shivakumar's elevation marks the culmination of a long-running succession battle within the Congress.

The dispute stemmed from an alleged power-sharing understanding reached when the party formed the government in Karnataka in 2023.

While Shivakumar's supporters repeatedly pushed for a leadership transition, Siddaramaiah was reluctant to step aside before completing his term.

The Congress high command eventually moved to resolve the issue amid concerns over growing anti-incumbency against the Siddaramaiah government and after recent political gains in southern India.

Siddaramaiah declined national role

According to party sources, Rahul Gandhi held discussions with Siddaramaiah and suggested that the veteran leader contribute to national politics, including through a possible Rajya Sabha role.

While Siddaramaiah agreed to step down as Chief Minister, he reportedly declined the Rajya Sabha option, preferring to remain active in Karnataka politics.

The 80-year-old leader resigned last week, paving the way for Shivakumar's appointment.

Siddaramaiah agreed to step down as Karnataka Chief Minister but denied a national role. Photo: Facebook/DK Shivakumar.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar met Siddaramaiah, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda to personally invite them to the swearing-in ceremony.

Gratitude to the Gandhi family

Following his swearing-in, Shivakumar thanked the Gandhi family for their role in his political journey.

"The Gandhi family has played a defining role in my political journey, not merely through leadership, but through the faith they placed in me at different stages of my life," he wrote on social media.

Recalling former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's encouragement early in his career, Shivakumar said the late Congress leader had helped him dream bigger and dedicate himself to public service.

Rahul Gandhi attended DK Shivakumar's oath ceremony on Wednesday. Photo: Official Facebook.

With the leadership transition now complete, the Congress hopes to move beyond internal tensions and focus on governance as it prepares for future electoral challenges.