Karnataka BJP, Kumaraswamy congratulate DK Shivakumar as 25th CM
Synopsis
In a rare moment of cross-aisle civility, Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy — both frequent critics of D.K. Shivakumar — congratulated him as he took oath as Karnataka's 25th Chief Minister at Bengaluru's Glass House. The political optics matter: rivals signalling restraint at the start of a contested tenure.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on 3 June at the Glass House, Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru .
Karnataka BJP President B.Y.
Vijayendra congratulated him and urged commitment to land, water, and language protection.
Kumaraswamy also extended congratulations, despite recent political rivalry with Shivakumar.
Vijayendra called for clean, transparent, and non-discriminatory governance, with focus on farmers, workers, women, and children.
Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday, 3 June congratulated D.K. Shivakumar after he was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka at the Glass House within the Lok Bhavan premises in Bengaluru. The cross-party greetings, despite recent political friction, marked a notable moment of civility around the high-profile transition of power in the state.
BJP's measured congratulations
Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra congratulated Shivakumar on taking oath and said he hoped the new government would remain committed to the protection of Karnataka's land, water resources, and language, while ensuring the state's comprehensive development.
‘Congratulations to D.K. Shivakumar on becoming the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. I hope your government will work with commitment towards the protection of Karnataka's land, water resources, and language, while ensuring the state's comprehensive development,' Vijayendra said in a statement.
Expectations from the new government
Vijayendra further said the people of Karnataka expect the new government to safeguard the interests of farmers, labourers, the poor, women, children, and every section of society.
‘The people of the state expect your government to protect the interests of farmers, workers, the poor, women, children, and every section of society. I also hope that you will remain committed to the principles of clean, transparent, and non-discriminatory governance,' he added.
Kumaraswamy extends rare olive branch
Union Minister Kumaraswamy also congratulated Shivakumar and expressed hope that he would use the opportunity to serve the people and contribute to the state's development.
‘Congratulations to D.K. Shivakumar on taking oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. I hope that you will use this opportunity to undertake people-centric initiatives and work for the development and progress of Karnataka,' Kumaraswamy said in a message issued after the swearing-in.
The message assumes significance as Kumaraswamy and Shivakumar have often been political rivals, engaging in sharp exchanges on several issues in recent months.
What comes next
Shivakumar's tenure begins amid heightened expectations on governance, water-sharing disputes, and the Congress government's welfare commitments. The cross-aisle goodwill from BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) camp will be tested as policy decisions roll out in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
And Vijayendra's BJP has built its Karnataka pitch around critiquing Congress governance. The civility of the swearing-in moment will fade fast — the real test is whether Shivakumar's tenure delivers on the water, land, and welfare commitments his rivals have publicly invoked, or whether these become the very benchmarks used to attack him later.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka?
D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, 3 June. The ceremony was held at the Glass House within the Lok Bhavan premises in Bengaluru.
Who congratulated D.K. Shivakumar on his swearing-in?
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy congratulated Shivakumar. Both expressed hope that his government would focus on Karnataka's development.
Why is Kumaraswamy's congratulatory message significant?
The message is notable because Kumaraswamy and Shivakumar have often been political rivals, engaging in sharp public exchanges in recent months. His congratulations marks a rare moment of civility between the two leaders.
What did the Karnataka BJP president expect from the new government?
B.Y. Vijayendra said he expects the new government to protect Karnataka's land, water resources, and language, and to safeguard the interests of farmers, workers, the poor, women, and children. He also called for clean, transparent, and non-discriminatory governance.
