DK Shivakumar Elected As CLP Leader, To Take Oath As Karnataka CM On June 3

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was on Saturday formally elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), paving way for him to become the new Chief Minister of the state. The name of the CLP leader was formally proposed by outgoing CM Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar is now set to take oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3.

This follows high-level deliberations with Congress high command in New Delhi. 

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.

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

The transition is set to come following a reported power tussle in the state over the Chief Minister's post between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.

What Led To Power Tussle In Karnataka?

The Congress won the Karnataka Assembly elections of 2023 with a thumping majority. Following the win, a rumoured ‘power-sharing' agreement was reached between Congress leaders D. K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. It is reported that the agreement was finalised at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence.

According to the agreement, Siddaramaiah was to be the Chief Minister of Karnataka for the first 2.5 years of the tenure won in the elections. Siddaramaiah had reportedly agreed to resign one week before completing the 2.5 years, paving the way for D. K. Shivakumar to take over the CM's post for the remainder time.

The power tussle began since the 2.5 years mark was reached on November 20, but Siddaramaiah did not resign from the post.