D.K. Shivakumar to Take Oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3; Congress Plans Simple Ceremony

Bengaluru, May 2026 : The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Saturday formally announced that KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar will be sworn in as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3, marking a new chapter in the state’s political landscape following the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, with the party deciding to keep the event low-key and focused on public convenience rather than grand celebrations.

The announcement was made ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for Saturday evening, where Shivakumar is expected to be formally elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, paving the way for his elevation to the top post.

Addressing a joint emergency press conference at the party headquarters, KPCC Working President and Rajya Sabha MP G.C. Chandrashekar said the Congress leadership had consciously chosen to organise a simple swearing-in ceremony that reflects the party’s commitment to governance and public service.

He noted that the welfare guarantee schemes introduced by the Siddaramaiah-led government over the past three years had earned widespread public support and become the hallmark of the Congress administration in Karnataka.

“The aspiration of the party and its workers is that D.K. Shivakumar should continue the good work initiated under Siddaramaiah’s leadership and take these welfare initiatives forward. Keeping this objective in mind, we have decided that the swearing-in ceremony should be simple, dignified and people-friendly,” Chandrashekar said.

The Congress leader revealed that thousands of Shivakumar supporters from across Karnataka had expressed their desire to attend the historic occasion. Plans were reportedly being made to arrange nearly 1,000 buses to transport party workers and supporters to Bengaluru. However, after discussions within the party, the proposal was dropped.

“June 3 is a working day, and we do not want residents of Bengaluru to face inconvenience due to traffic congestion or large-scale mobilisation. The event should not be extravagant or create disruption. It should set an example of responsible governance and public sensitivity,” Chandrashekar explained.

The party has therefore appealed to Congress workers and Shivakumar supporters across the state not to travel to Bengaluru for the ceremony. Instead, they have been asked to celebrate locally and cooperate in ensuring smooth conduct of the event.

“We request all party workers and admirers of D.K. Shivakumar to avoid coming to Bengaluru. Let this become a model swearing-in ceremony that earns the appreciation of the people. There should be no unnecessary crowds, inconvenience or disruption to normal life,” he said.

Chandrashekar further announced that Shivakumar, after assuming office, would undertake an extensive statewide outreach programme. The new Chief Minister is expected to visit district headquarters across Karnataka to interact directly with party workers, local leaders and the public.

“After taking charge, he will personally travel to districts and seek the blessings of the people. Since he will be coming to every region of the state, supporters need not travel to Bengaluru for the swearing-in,” he added.

The Congress leader also clarified that no special passes would be issued to party workers for the ceremony. He urged supporters to respect the party’s decision and ensure that the event remains orderly and dignified.

According to Chandrashekar, the proposal for a simple swearing-in ceremony was discussed directly with Shivakumar, who readily endorsed the idea. “He wholeheartedly agreed that the function should be modest and focused on public interest,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the outgoing government, Chandrashekar said the Congress leadership expects continuity in governance under Shivakumar. He noted that several welfare programmes launched under Siddaramaiah had significantly strengthened the party’s connect with the people and would remain central to the new administration’s agenda.

On the composition of the new cabinet, Chandrashekar said discussions were yet to begin. He stated that decisions regarding ministers would be taken only after Shivakumar’s formal election as CLP leader and the completion of the leadership transition.

“Once Siddaramaiah formally hands over the leadership and Shivakumar is elected CLP leader, the party will decide on cabinet formation. No decision has yet been made regarding how many ministers will take oath alongside the Chief Minister,” he said.

With the leadership transition entering its final stage, all eyes are now on the June 3 ceremony, which will formally usher D.K. Shivakumar into Karnataka’s top political office and signal the beginning of a new phase for the Congress government in the state.