Leadership Transition: DK Shivakumar Likely To Take Oath As Karnataka CM on June 3

New Delhi: Karnataka is poised for a significant leadership transition as DK Shivakumar prepares to take the oath of office on June 3, following the formal acceptance of Chief Minister's Siddaramaiah’s resignation, as per sources.

The handover, which marks the conclusion of a high-stakes internal power-sharing arrangement within the state Congress, is set to be formalized today as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meets in Bengaluru to elect its new leader, paving the way for Shivakumar’s elevation to the top post. 

As per sources, a Congress delegation led by D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot today to formally discuss the upcoming swearing-in ceremony.

Why June 3?

There has been intense speculation regarding the date of the swearing-in ceremony since outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned on Thursday. 

According to reports, Shivakumar- who is known for his deep faith- selected June 3 as the date for his oath-taking after consulting with his long-time astrologer, Bellur Dwarakanath. 

Another contributing factor in the selection of the June 3 date, according to sources, is the availability of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is expected to be present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Sidda resigns

On Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday officially resigned from his post, formally ending weeks of intense speculation over a leadership transition in the Congress government.

The resignation was submitted to the Governor’s office at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru around 3 PM. Since Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot is currently out of station, Governor’s Secretary Prabhushankar received the resignation letter on his behalf.

Shortly after submitting the resignation, Siddaramaiah left Lok Bhavan and confirmed that he had stepped down following directions from the Congress high command.

Who else will take oath?

According to reports, the new government is expected to include two deputy chief ministers alongside D.K. Shivakumar, with appointments likely reflecting the Dalit and minority communities.

The Congress party appears focused on balancing representation across various castes and factions in the wake of Siddaramaiah’s departure. Additionally, indications suggest that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, is poised to be assigned a significant portfolio in the new administration.

DKS as CLP leader?

Widely recognized as one of the party’s most influential figures in the state, Shivakumar is expected to be unanimously elected as the new Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in recognition of his pivotal role in revitalizing the party's foundation in Karnataka.

 Siddaramaiah meets Rahul, Kharge

Following his formal resignation, Siddaramaiah traveled to New Delhi to meet with senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The meetings, held at a critical juncture for the state's leadership transition, focused on the formation of the new government and discussions regarding Siddaramaiah’s future role within the party. 

Accompanied by his son, Yathindra, the former Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to remaining active in Karnataka politics while ensuring a seamless handover to his successor, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.  

The developments come against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Karnataka, with the Congress leadership working to finalise key appointments, including Rajya Sabha nominations and MLC positions, while also managing internal balance following Siddaramaiah's resignation.