Congress clears way for DK Shivakumar as next Karnataka CM; swearing-in on June 3 – Firstpost

Senior Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar was on Saturday unanimously elected as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, clearing the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

His swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place on June 3, marking the formal transition of power in the state.

According to a News18 report, the decision was taken at a CLP meeting held at the Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by senior Congress leaders, including AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, CLP Secretary Allamprabhu Patil, outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several legislators.

According to the report, Siddaramaiah proposed Shivakumar’s name for the post of CLP leader during the meeting, and the proposal was seconded by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara. Shivakumar was subsequently elected unanimously, bringing an end to weeks of speculation over the state’s leadership transition.

Resolutions passed unanimously

According to the report, Congress leaders first passed a resolution authorising the party high command to decide the new CLP leader. The proposal was moved by Siddaramaiah and supported by Parameshwara.

In a second resolution, Siddaramaiah formally proposed Shivakumar’s name for the leadership role, which again received unanimous backing from party legislators.

Following his election, Shivakumar moved a resolution thanking Siddaramaiah for his leadership and sought his continued guidance and support, the report said.

With the chief ministerial question settled, attention has now shifted to the formation of the new cabinet and the selection of a deputy chief minister. According to the report, around eight to 10 ministers are likely to be sworn in alongside Shivakumar.

Siddaramaiah’s resignation

The leadership change follows Siddaramaiah’s resignation as chief minister on May 28. He submitted his resignation to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, stating that he was acting in accordance with the decision of the Congress leadership.

The Governor subsequently accepted the resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers with immediate effect.

A day later, Siddaramaiah met senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi as part of the transition process. Reports said that he thanked the party leadership for the opportunity to serve as chief minister and informed them that he had stepped down as directed.

The official communication confirming Shivakumar’s election as CLP leader will now be forwarded to the Governor. He is expected to meet the Governor shortly to stake claim to form the next government.

Since the Congress won the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, there had been persistent speculation about a power-sharing arrangement that would see a change in leadership after two-and-a-half years, a move that now appears to have been implemented.