D.K. Shivakumar Set to Take Oath as Karnataka Chief Minister, Promises Inclusive Governance and Youth-Centric Development

Bengaluru, June 2026 : Senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday evening, marking a significant political milestone in his decades-long public life and signalling the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s governance.

According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister-designate’s office, the swearing-in ceremony will take place at 4:05 p.m. at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar and members of the new Council of Ministers.

The ceremony is expected to draw a large gathering of political leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from various sections of society. Senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K. C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, are expected to attend the event. Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, Pradesh Congress Committee presidents and senior party functionaries from across the country are also likely to be present.

In a move aimed at reflecting the broad social base of the new administration, the guest list extends beyond political circles. Religious leaders representing different faiths, students from a government school in Shivakumar’s home constituency of Kanakapura, daily wage workers, civic employees, farmers, representatives of Dalit and Backward Class organisations, women’s self-help groups, youth leaders and social activists have all been invited.

The event will also witness participation from members of the judiciary, media, sports fraternity, film industry, theatre community, literary circles, business leaders, industrialists and representatives of the hospitality sector. Political observers view the diverse invitation list as a deliberate effort to project the incoming government’s commitment to inclusive governance and wider public engagement.

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Shivakumar expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership and party workers for placing their trust in him. He described his elevation to the state’s highest political office as a victory for every Congress worker who remained committed to the party through challenging times.

“The party has given an ordinary worker an opportunity to serve. I am deeply grateful for the faith and confidence shown in me. I understand the responsibilities ahead and know there will be difficult challenges, but I am prepared to face them with dedication and hard work,” he said.

Shivakumar emphasised that Karnataka occupies a unique position in India’s growth story, particularly because of Bengaluru’s global prominence as a technology and innovation hub. He noted that people across the world often identify India through Bengaluru and stressed the need for balanced and inclusive development across the state.

“The world recognises India through Bengaluru. Karnataka is an important state with immense potential, and it is my responsibility to ensure that every section of society participates in its growth journey,” he said.

Highlighting his priorities, the Chief Minister-designate said his administration would focus on the welfare of farmers, women, youth and marginalised communities while ensuring economic development and social justice.

“A new era for the youth will begin in Karnataka. We will create opportunities, encourage innovation and ensure that development reaches every household. Our government will work for farmers, women, workers, entrepreneurs and young people alike,” he stated.

Reflecting on his political journey, Shivakumar said his rise to the Chief Minister’s office was the result of perseverance, patience and years of grassroots political work.

“It has been a long and challenging journey. The opportunity may have been delayed, but it was never denied. This moment belongs not just to me but to every Congress worker who believed in democratic values and continued to strengthen the party,” he said.

As Karnataka prepares for the transition, expectations are high that the new government will seek to balance development priorities with social welfare initiatives while steering one of India’s most economically significant states into a new phase of growth and governance.