DK Shivakumar to be Karnataka CM, Oath on June 3 After Governor Meet

In a significant political development for the state of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday, May 30, 2026, to formally stake claim to form the new government. This pivotal meeting occurred after Shivakumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP). The Governor subsequently extended an invitation to Shivakumar to form the government, with the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for June 3, 2026. This leadership transition follows the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday, May 28, 2026, bringing an end to his second term in office. Siddaramaiah, who assumed the Chief Minister's post after the Congress's landslide victory in the 2023 Assembly elections, completed just over half of his tenure. His resignation came amidst long-standing speculation about a power-sharing arrangement with D.K. Shivakumar, reportedly endorsed by the party's central leadership, which would involve a transfer of power after two and a half years. Earlier on May 30, 2026, Shivakumar had a brief meeting with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Lok Bhavan, informally discussing the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. Later the same day, a crucial CLP meeting was held at Vidhana Soudha, where Shivakumar's name for the top post was proposed by the outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and seconded by senior leader G. Parameshwara, receiving unanimous endorsement from all party legislators. Congress leaders, including General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, oversaw these proceedings. Following the CLP meeting, K.C. Venugopal confirmed to the media that Shivakumar would head to Raj Bhavan to stake his claim and would be sworn in as Chief Minister on June 3, 2026. This date marks a significant moment for Shivakumar, who previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister alongside Siddaramaiah since May 20, 2023. His elevation to the Chief Minister's position culminates a prolonged political journey and a perceived power tussle within the party. Adding to the political narrative, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after his resignation, clarified his intent to remain active in state politics. He explicitly stated that he had no interest in national politics and declined an offer from the Congress high command for a Rajya Sabha berth. Siddaramaiah expressed his commitment to continuing as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Varuna constituency for the remaining two years of his term, emphasizing his desire to stay rooted in Karnataka. The formation of the new cabinet under D.K. Shivakumar is now a key point of discussion. Reports suggest that approximately eight to ten ministers are expected to take the oath along with Shivakumar on June 3, with the remaining cabinet members potentially being sworn in after the Rajya Sabha elections on June 18, 2026. This process involves intricate deliberations to ensure representation from all communities, regions, and factions within the party. The stability of the new government and its ability to deliver on the Congress's promises, particularly the 'five guarantees' announced in their 2023 manifesto, will be closely watched. The political landscape of Karnataka saw the Congress emerge victorious in the May 2023 Assembly elections, securing 135 out of 224 seats. Siddaramaiah was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 20, 2023, for his second term, with D.K. Shivakumar as his deputy. The current change of guard in 2026 reflects the dynamic nature of state politics and the internal workings of the ruling party. The transition is expected to consolidate Shivakumar's position as a prominent leader in Karnataka and impact the party's strategies for future elections, including the 2028 state assembly elections.

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