DK Shivakumar to take oath as Karnataka CM on June 3

Karnataka is set for a major political transition as D.K. Shivakumar, the current Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, has been invited by the state Governor to take oath as the next Chief Minister on June 3. This development comes after incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formally submitted his resignation on May 28, 2026, signaling the implementation of an anticipated power-sharing agreement within the Congress party. The political landscape of Karnataka has been abuzz with speculation surrounding a leadership change ever since the Congress party secured a resounding victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections. At that time, veteran leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the Chief Minister on May 20, 2023, with D.K. Shivakumar taking oath as his sole Deputy Chief Minister. The oath-taking ceremony for Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, along with a group of ministers, took place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, administered by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. It was widely reported, though not officially confirmed by the leaders, that a power-sharing arrangement was brokered by the Congress high command, stipulating that Siddaramaiah would serve for the initial half of the five-year term, after which Shivakumar would assume the top post. Recent reports from late May 2026 indicate that this pact is now being honored. On May 28, 2026, Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down, thanking them for their cooperation. He subsequently resigned, although he reportedly declined an offer to move to the Rajya Sabha, choosing instead to remain active in state politics as an MLA. His resignation paved the way for D.K. Shivakumar, who has been a prominent figure and known as the Congress party's 'troubleshooter' in Karnataka politics for decades. On May 30, 2026, D.K. Shivakumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Karnataka. Following this election, he met with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to stake his claim to form the new government. The Governor then extended the invitation to Shivakumar to take oath as the Chief Minister on June 3, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to be held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru. This leadership change is a significant event for Karnataka, reflecting the internal dynamics and understanding within the Congress party. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Congress chief, is known for his strong organizational skills and grassroots connect. His elevation to the Chief Minister's position marks the culmination of his long-held ambition and is seen as a move to consolidate the party's base, particularly among the dominant Vokkaliga community to which he belongs. The transition also highlights the Congress party's strategy to manage leadership aspirations and ensure stability ahead of future elections. The outgoing Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, who previously served a full five-year term from 2013-2018 and became CM for the second time in 2023, is noted for his focus on policies benefiting backward classes and minorities. His decision to remain in state politics suggests he will continue to be an influential voice within the party. The news has been widely corroborated by several credible Indian news outlets, including Mint, The Economic Times, Deccan Herald, The Indian Express, ABP Live, and The Hindu, all reporting on the imminent change in leadership and the scheduled oath-taking of D.K. Shivakumar as Chief Minister on June 3, 2026. The Hindustan Times article, from which the title was taken, accurately reflects these verified real-time developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest