Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday formally emerged as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, clearing the final hurdle in the high-stakes leadership transition that has dominated the state's political landscape for months. Shivakumar's swearing-in as the new Chief Minister is scheduled for June 3 at the Glass House of Lok Bhavan here.
The decision was announced at a crucial CLP meeting held at the Vidhana Soudha, bringing an end to intense speculation over the succession plan after the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier this week. The meeting was attended by senior Congress leaders. Siddaramaiah proposed Shivakumar's name for the top post, paving the way for a unanimous endorsement by party legislators.
Following the meeting, the newly elected CLP leader, D K Shivakumar, met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Lok Bhavan here and staked claim to form a new government.
Shivakumar was accompanied by outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala.
Earlier, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, was elected leader of the legislature party, paving the way for him to take over as the next chief minister of the state.
Also read: Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka Chief Minister
The leadership change follows Siddaramaiah's resignation on May 28 in accordance with the Congress high command's decision. On Friday, Governor Gehlot accepted the resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers with immediate effect, setting the stage for the formation of a new government.
Siddaramaiah subsequently travelled to New Delhi, where he met senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. According to party sources, he thanked the leadership for the opportunity to serve as chief minister and reaffirmed his commitment to the party's transition plan.
The development concludes months of political speculation, internal negotiations and consultations involving the Congress leadership and the state's top leaders. The transition is being viewed as one of the most significant political developments in Karnataka since the Congress returned to power.
With Shivakumar now poised to occupy the state's highest executive office, attention will shift to the composition of the new cabinet and the balance of power within the ruling party. The coming days are expected to witness intense consultations as the Congress leadership seeks to ensure a smooth transfer of authority while maintaining unity within the organisation.
The June 3 swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by top Congress leaders and alliance partners, marking the beginning of a new political chapter in Karnataka.
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