With Constitution in hand, D.K. Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka CM; G. Parameshwara sworn in as deputy CM, crowd chants 'Vande Mataram'

Karnataka Congress chief D. K. Shivakumar on Wednesday took oath as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka, formally marking a leadership transition in the state. Holding a copy of the Constitution in his hand, the eight-time MLA was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru.

Senior Congress leader G. Parameshwara was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. Parameshwara, a prominent Dalit leader, has previously served as Karnataka's Home Minister.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, Cabinet colleagues, party workers and invited dignitaries. The event began with the rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the national anthem played by the police band, adding a ceremonial tone to the formal installation of the new Congress-led government.

Shivakumar's elevation comes days after the resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, completing a carefully managed leadership transition within the Congress government. Ahead of the ceremony, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah were seen sharing the stage, symbolising a coordinated transfer of power and continuity within the party.

Karnataka CM-designate DK Shivakumar bows down to people before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Hours before the oath-taking ceremony, the Congress announced a list of 13 ministers who joined Shivakumar in taking oath. The ministers include K. H. Muniyappa, K. J. George, M. B. Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, U. T. Khader, Eshwar Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh and Sharan Prakash Patil.

The Congress indicated that the Cabinet may be expanded further after the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Among the prominent leaders present at the ceremony were Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and several senior Karnataka leaders. Religious leaders, students, pourakarmikas, farmers' representatives, Dalit leaders and Kannada activists were also invited to attend the event.

The swearing-in marks the beginning of a new political chapter in Karnataka under Shivakumar's leadership, while also reflecting the Congress high command's efforts to ensure a smooth transition following Siddaramaiah's departure from the state's top post.