D.K. Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka at 4.05 pm on Wednesday at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru, marking a defining moment in his decades-long political journey within the Congress. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar and members of his new cabinet at the evening ceremony.

Who will attend the swearing-in

A high-powered Congress contingent is expected at the Bengaluru ceremony, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and Pradesh Congress Committee presidents from several states, along with Members of Parliament and senior party functionaries, are also expected to be present.

A guest list designed to signal inclusion

In a notable departure from typical political ceremonies, the invitation list extends well beyond party ranks. Religious leaders representing different faiths have been invited, alongside students from the Government School at Doddalahalli in Kanakapura — Shivakumar's home turf.

Daily wage workers, civic workers, farmer leaders, representatives of Dalit organisations, leaders of Backward Class organisations, women's self-help groups, women leaders and youth leaders have also been called in. The list further includes members of the media, the film industry, the judiciary, the sports fraternity, theatre personalities, writers, artists, industrialists, business leaders and representatives of the hotel industry.

The broad-based guest list is being read as a deliberate signal that the incoming government intends to project inclusive governance from day one.

What Shivakumar said ahead of the oath

Speaking on Tuesday, Shivakumar described his elevation as a victory for Congress workers rather than a personal triumph. “The party has allowed a worker, not a leader. I am deeply obliged by the faith and confidence reposed in me. I know the road ahead will not be easy, and there will be difficult times, but I have to manage them and continue working hard,” he said.

He framed his agenda around the state's youth and underserved sections. “I will take every section of society together, from farmers to women and youth. A new era for the youth will begin in Karnataka,” he added.

Reflecting on his long wait for the top job, Shivakumar said, “It has been a tough journey. Though it was delayed, it was not denied. This is not about Shivakumar alone; it is about every Congress worker who stood by the party and believed in its democratic traditions.”

What happens next

Once sworn in, Shivakumar will inherit a state with high expectations on welfare delivery, fiscal management and Bengaluru's urban infrastructure — issues that have dominated Karnataka's political discourse. The composition and portfolio allocation of the new cabinet, also being sworn in on Wednesday, will be the first indicator of his governance priorities.