In a major political development in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was unanimously elected as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader on Saturday, clearing the way for him to become the state's next Chief Minister.
During the CLP meeting, outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed Shivakumar’s name for the post, while senior Congress leader and Home Minister G. Parameshwara seconded the proposal. The legislators unanimously approved the decision, formally electing Shivakumar as the CLP leader.
The leadership transition comes after Siddaramaiah resigned as Chief Minister on May 28, following the suggestion of the Congress high command. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted his resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers, while asking Siddaramaiah to continue until alternative arrangements were made.
Ahead of the CLP meeting, Shivakumar received a warm welcome from supporters and was seen touching the steps of the Vidhan Soudha as he entered the building, a gesture that drew attention.
Shivakumar indicated that the swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Minister could take place on June 3. An astrologer who met him earlier reportedly suggested June 3 at 5:15 PM as an auspicious time for the oath-taking ceremony.
With Shivakumar’s election, the Congress has completed a long-awaited leadership transition, marking the beginning of a new political chapter in Karnataka.
