PM Modi congratulates D.K. Shivakumar as Karnataka CM, vows Centre's backing
Synopsis
D.K. Shivakumar's swearing-in as Karnataka's 25th Chief Minister marks a major factional rebalancing inside the state Congress. PM Modi's quick X post pledging Centre's cooperation sets a cordial federal tone, even as Kharge and Rahul Gandhi's presence underlined that the party's high command is owning the transition from Siddaramaiah.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on 3 June at the Glass House in Bengaluru.
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot administered the oath at 4:10 pm .
PM Narendra Modi congratulated Shivakumar on X and assured the Centre's full cooperation.
Former Home Minister G.
Parameshwara took oath as Deputy Chief Minister .
13 ministers were sworn in alongside Shivakumar, including Yathindra Siddaramaiah and U.T.
Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi attended the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 3 June, congratulated D.K. Shivakumar on his swearing-in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka, assuring full cooperation from the Centre for the state's welfare and development. The message, posted on social media platform X, came shortly after Shivakumar took oath at the Glass House in Bengaluru's Lok Bhavan premises.
What PM Modi said
‘Congratulations to Shri D.K. Shivakumar Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka. Best wishes for his tenure,' the Prime Minister said in his post. He added that the Centre would work closely with the new Karnataka government for the people's welfare and progress.
Inside the swearing-in ceremony
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar at 4:10 pm. Amid slogans from supporters, the new Chief Minister walked to the dais and paid floral tributes to the portrait of Sri Veera Gangadhara Swamiji — popularly known as Ajjayya or Nonavinakere Ajja — before proceeding to take the oath holding a copy of the Constitution. Shivakumar invoked the name of Veera Gangadhara Ajja, whom he regards as his spiritual guide, during the swearing-in.
The ceremony opened with a rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Karnataka State Police Band, and the state anthem.
Cabinet formation and key faces
Thirteen ministers were sworn in alongside Shivakumar as the new Karnataka government assumed office. Former Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a prominent leader from the Dalit community, took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. The first phase of cabinet formation also featured Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and former Speaker U.T. Khader.
Congress top brass in attendance
Senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, were present at the ceremony, signalling the leadership's stamp on the transition in Karnataka. The presence underlines the political weight Congress is placing on a state that has emerged as one of its few large strongholds.
What's next
Attention now shifts to portfolio allocation and the rollout of the new government's first administrative priorities. The handover from Siddaramaiah to Shivakumar marks a significant generational and factional rebalancing within the state unit.
Point of View
But the real story is internal to the Congress: the high command's choice to elevate Shivakumar signals that organisational muscle has trumped Siddaramaiah's mass-leader appeal in this round. The inclusion of Yathindra Siddaramaiah in the first cabinet is a careful sop, not a peace treaty — factional management in Karnataka rarely stays settled for long. Parameshwara as Deputy CM is a calibrated Dalit outreach the party will need to keep central as 2029 nears. The test now is whether Shivakumar can convert organisational clout into delivery on guarantees that powered the 2023 mandate.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Chief Minister of Karnataka?
D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on 3 June. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot administered the oath at 4:10 pm at the Glass House in Bengaluru's Lok Bhavan premises.
What did PM Modi say on Shivakumar's swearing-in?
PM Narendra Modi congratulated Shivakumar in a post on X and wished him well for his tenure. He also assured that the Centre would work closely with the Karnataka government for the welfare and development of the state's people.
Who took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister?
Former Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a senior Dalit leader, was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. His elevation is being read as a key social-coalition signal by the Congress.
How many ministers were sworn in along with Shivakumar?
Thirteen ministers took oath alongside D.K. Shivakumar in the first phase of cabinet formation. Notable inclusions are Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of outgoing CM Siddaramaiah, and former Speaker U.T. Khader.
Which top Congress leaders attended the ceremony?
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi were present at the swearing-in ceremony in Bengaluru. Their attendance underscored the high command's direct involvement in the leadership transition.
