DK Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM

DK Shivakumar officially took charge as the chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, concluding a prolonged leadership contest with his predecessor, Siddaramaiah. He was sworn in alongside deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and a 12-member ministerial team.

Shortly after his oath, Shivakumar led his first cabinet meeting, where youth-focused initiatives were announced. These include free bus passes for students and the establishment of 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas, aimed at enhancing leadership qualities and fostering social harmony.

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Today, with immense humility and a heart filled with gratitude, I took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka at Lok Bhavan. This moment belongs not to me alone, but to the people of Karnataka and the lakhs of dedicated karyakartas whose affection, trust and unwavering faith have guided me through every challenge and every milestone of my journey. Through every high and low, they were my strength and my inspiration. I bow my head in gratitude to each and every one of you who believed in me and stood by me.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office at the Lok Bhavan. Shivakumar, dressed in a silk kurta and dhoti, took his oath invoking the seer Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya and holding a copy of the Constitution. G Parameshwara and Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of the former chief minister, also took their oaths, invoking BR Ambedkar and the Constitution, respectively.

Of the 13 ministers inducted, eleven served in the previous Siddaramaiah government. Notably, no women were included in this initial cabinet formation. Shivakumar expressed gratitude on X, calling the occasion a collective achievement and emphasizing the importance of collective effort for Karnataka's progress. He stated, "No single individual can bring about change, but if we all join hands, nothing is impossible. Come, let us build a beautiful, prosperous and progressive Karnataka that our future generations will take pride in."

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In today’s rapidly changing era of technology, we must take our proud Karnataka to the pinnacle of development with new ideas. On this path of all-round progress, the participation of farmers, labourers, women, students, youth and every citizen is crucial for us. No single individual can bring about change, but if we all join hands, nothing is impossible. Come, let us build a beautiful, prosperous and progressive Karnataka that our future generations will take pride in.