D.K. Shivakumar Unanimously Elected Congress Legislature Party Leader, Set to Become Karnataka Chief Minister

Bengaluru, May 2026 : Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar was unanimously elected as the new leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) at a crucial meeting held at the Vidhana Soudha on Saturday, formally paving the way for his elevation as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

The decision marks the culmination of a significant leadership transition within the Congress in the state following the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The meeting, attended by senior Congress leaders, legislators, Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Council, witnessed complete consensus in favour of Shivakumar’s leadership.

According to an official statement issued after the meeting, the election took place at the Convention Hall of the Vidhana Soudha in the presence of top party functionaries and elected representatives. The proceedings began with Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala outlining the process for electing the new CLP leader.

As anticipated, Siddaramaiah proposed the name of D.K. Shivakumar to lead the legislature party. The proposal received immediate support from senior Congress leader and former Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who seconded the motion. Legislators present at the meeting endorsed the proposal unanimously, reflecting the party’s united stand on the leadership change.

Before the formal election process was completed, Siddaramaiah moved a one-line resolution authorising the Congress high command to decide on the selection of the new legislature party leader. The resolution was seconded by Parameshwara and approved unanimously through a show of hands by all legislators present.

Following the passage of the resolution, Surjewala announced a brief recess, during which Siddaramaiah, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal and Surjewala held consultations in the Chief Minister’s chamber. After the discussions, the leaders returned to the Convention Hall and formally announced Shivakumar’s election as the new CLP leader.

Addressing the gathering after his election, Shivakumar expressed gratitude to the party leadership, legislators and workers for placing their trust in him. He also moved a resolution appreciating the contributions and leadership of Siddaramaiah during his tenure as Chief Minister. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the legislators.

The election of Shivakumar is being viewed as a landmark moment in Karnataka politics. Known for his organisational skills and strong grassroots network, the veteran Congress leader has played a pivotal role in strengthening the party’s position in the state over the past several years. His elevation is expected to provide continuity while also ushering in a new phase of governance under Congress rule.

Soon after the CLP meeting, the Congress announced that Shivakumar would take oath as the Chief Minister on June 3. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan.

However, unlike traditional large-scale political events, the Congress leadership has decided to keep the ceremony simple and low-key. Addressing the media, KPCC Working President and Rajya Sabha member G.C. Chandrashekar said the party wanted to avoid causing inconvenience to the public.

He revealed that supporters of Shivakumar had initially planned to arrange nearly 1,000 buses to transport party workers and well-wishers to Bengaluru for the event. The proposal, however, was dropped after consultations within the party.

Since June 3 falls on a working day, the Congress leadership felt that large-scale mobilisation could disrupt normal life in Bengaluru. Chandrashekar said the party had therefore instructed workers and supporters not to organise massive gatherings.

Appealing to Congress workers across Karnataka, he urged them not to travel to Bengaluru for the swearing-in and instead support the party’s effort to conduct a dignified and people-friendly ceremony.

He also announced that after assuming office, Shivakumar would embark on visits across Karnataka to meet party workers, supporters and members of the public in various districts. The outreach programme is expected to help the new Chief Minister directly connect with grassroots workers and seek the blessings of people across the state as he begins his tenure at the helm of Karnataka.