By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar assumed office as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, marking the formal conclusion of the leadership change within the state government. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru in the presence of party leaders, legislators and supporters.
A prominent figure in Karnataka politics and an eight-time MLA, Shivakumar becomes the state’s 34th Chief Minister. His elevation follows the party’s decision to hand over the reins from outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after days of internal consultations and discussions.
Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, the Congress leadership announced the names of 13 legislators who joined the new ministry. Veteran leader G. Parameshwara was named Deputy Chief Minister, making him the second-highest-ranking member of the administration.
The first batch of ministers includes Yathindra Siddaramaiah, U.T. Khader, M.B. Patil, K.J. George, K.H. Muniyappa, Satish Jarkiholi, Ramalinga Reddy, Krishna Byregowda, Priyank Kharge, Ishwar Khandre, Byrathi Suresh and Sharan Prakash Patil.
Party sources indicated that additional inductions into the Cabinet are likely at a later stage, with further expansion expected after the completion of the upcoming Rajya Sabha election process.
The new government is expected to outline its policy priorities and governance agenda in the coming weeks as Shivakumar begins his tenure at the helm of the state.