In a major political development in Karnataka, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has reportedly accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday morning, paving the way for a leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress. With this, the long-discussed power-sharing arrangement within the party appears to have entered its final stage, and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar is widely expected to become the next Chief Minister of the state.
Although the Congress high command has not yet made an official announcement regarding the next Chief Minister, sources indicate that Siddaramaiah informed ministers during a breakfast meeting on Thursday that DK Shivakumar would take over the top post. Both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are currently in New Delhi, where they are expected to hold discussions with the Congress leadership regarding the swearing-in ceremony and the formation of the new cabinet.
The political transition has triggered intense interest across Karnataka, with party workers and political observers closely watching developments in the national capital. Congress leaders are believed to be working on balancing regional, caste, and factional equations while finalising the new ministry.
One of the biggest talking points now is the date and timing of DK Shivakumar’s oath-taking ceremony. While no official schedule has been announced yet, sources suggest that DK Shivakumar is personally consulting astrologers to identify an auspicious muhurta for the swearing-in ceremony. Reports indicate that he has already held discussions with astrologer Dwarakanath and requested him to suggest three favourable timings for the event.
According to political insiders, there is a possibility that the new cabinet led by DK Shivakumar may take oath on Monday evening during the auspicious Godhuli Muhurta. However, the final date will depend on the availability of senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who are expected to attend the ceremony.
The venue for the swearing-in ceremony has also not been officially finalised. Congress leaders are expected to make a formal announcement after the high-level meeting in Delhi concludes and the final list of ministers is approved by the party leadership. Discussions are also underway regarding the composition of the new cabinet and allocation of key portfolios.
Several top Congress leaders are likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony. Expected dignitaries include AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala, and several senior state leaders.
The change in leadership is being viewed as a crucial moment for Karnataka Congress politics. DK Shivakumar, who played a key role in strengthening the party organisation and securing electoral victories, is expected to face the challenge of balancing governance with internal party expectations.
Meanwhile, supporters of both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar have begun preparations across the state, anticipating an official announcement from the Congress high command soon. Political analysts believe the transition could significantly influence the party’s future strategy ahead of upcoming elections and national political developments.
All eyes are now on Delhi, where the Congress leadership is expected to finalise the new government structure and formally announce Karnataka’s next Chief Minister in the coming hours.
