Congress leaders on Wednesday lined up to hail D.K. Shivakumar ahead of his scheduled swearing-in as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, with party MLA Vijay Wadettiwar describing him as a ‘fighting leader’ who has repeatedly steered the party through crises. Shivakumar is set to take oath at 4.05 pm IST at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru, with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot administering the oath of office and secrecy.

Wadettiwar lauds Shivakumar's loyalty

Speaking to reporters, Wadettiwar said, “Whenever the party has faced trouble in the state, he has always helped Congress move forward. He is known even outside his state as a fighting leader. At the same time, his identity is also that of a leader who shares in others' joys and sorrows.”

He added, “He never compromised on his attachment to the Congress party. He has always said, 'I would prefer to go to jail, but I will not join the BJP.' He remained firm on this, and today, one who fights, wins. People now recognise this about him. I am happy that such a fighting leader is becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka today.”

Patwari highlights organisational role

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari, who arrived in Bengaluru for the ceremony, credited Shivakumar with both organisational muscle and political maturity. “Every resident of Karnataka takes pride in Karnataka's economic progress and development under Siddaramaiah's tenure. D.K. Shivakumar played a crucial role in bringing the Congress party to power. He also set an example by respectfully and graciously supporting and accepting the tenure of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister. Both these aspects are excellent examples of mutual respect and cooperation in politics,” Patwari said.

A 21-year process, says Hanumantha Rao

Senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao framed the leadership transition as the culmination of a long internal process. “Last 21 years, there has been a process going on in Karnataka, the next Chief Minister, PCC president, and also Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar. Finally, the high command has decided to replace Siddaramaiah because he has already accepted high-command work. So, he has been accommodated in the Congress Working Committee. And the next Chief Minister is D.K. Shivakumar,” he said, adding that pre-election welfare promises would be honoured.

BJP's counter

BJP Bihar State President Sanjay Saraogi said the change of guard was an internal Congress matter but claimed sentiment in Karnataka was shifting. “We wish them well. It is an internal matter of the Congress party, who becomes the Chief Minister and who does not. However, in Karnataka, an atmosphere is being created against the Congress party, and the current situation shows that in the upcoming elections, common people and voters are looking towards the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he said.

Who will attend the ceremony

The swearing-in is expected to draw a heavyweight Congress contingent including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, and Karnataka incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala. Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, PCC presidents, and MPs from several states are also expected to be present.

The guest list extends beyond political circles to religious leaders, students from Government School Doddalahalli in Kanakapura, daily wage workers, civic workers, farmer leaders, representatives of Dalit and Backward Class organisations, women's self-help groups, and youth representatives — a deliberate optics push as Shivakumar prepares to take charge.