Shivakumar Elected Congress Legislature Party Leader, Oath As Karnataka CM On 3 June

Shivakumar Takes Helm as Congress Legislature Party Leader, Set for CM Swearing-In

In a decisive move for Karnataka politics, Shivakumar has been elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), following a proposal by Siddaramaiah and subsequent approval from G. Parameshwara. This selection is pending formal ratification by the Congress's central leadership. K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary (Organisation) of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), indicated that the party's top brass had recommended Shivakumar for both the CLP and chief minister roles.

Venugopal remarked,

“I am very glad to say that everybody thought that this transition was going to be a trouble for the Congress party. Everybody anticipated that... but Siddaramaiah’s decision showed that there was no trouble or crisis as predicted by everyone.”

Following this crucial meeting, Shivakumar met with Karnataka Governor Thawaarchand Gehlot to submit a letter of support, effectively staking his claim to lead the government. He is slated to take his oath of office on Wednesday at approximately 4:05 PM at the Lok Bhavan.

Shivakumar is reportedly opting for a low-key swearing-in ceremony to avoid any accusations of opulence amid challenging times. The CLP’s outcome comes after a period of tension in Karnataka, where Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's factions had been at odds over leadership. However, the smooth transition following Siddaramaiah’s voluntary resignation has kindled optimism for political stability in a state known for its turbulence.

Post-resignation, intense lobbying for cabinet positions has commenced, with numerous Congress legislators flocking to Delhi to advocate for their appointments. Former minister M.C. Sudhakar noted the stiff competition for limited roles, stating that the high command would ultimately decide the appointments. Meanwhile, clarity on the possibility of deputy chief ministers under Shivakumar remains elusive, with discussions suggesting that caste considerations and the need to appease sidelined senior leaders could influence the decision.

“Today’s agenda is the election of the CLP leader. Everything else will be decided later,” senior Congress figure B.K. Hariprasad told reporters. During the CLP session, Shivakumar also extended gratitude to Siddaramaiah for his eight-year tenure as chief minister, showcasing a spirit of unity between the two leaders. Venugopal urged Siddaramaiah to contribute at the national level, emphasizing that his expertise could benefit not just Karnataka but the Congress party as a whole.

Venugopal further encouraged the CLP to focus on retaining power beyond 2028, aiming for success in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He stressed the importance of working diligently to position Rahul Gandhi as a potential prime minister by 2029, setting ambitious goals for the party's future. This development marks a new chapter in Karnataka's political landscape as the Congress party navigates its leadership transition.