Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka, while veteran leader G. Parameshwara took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Thirteen ministers joined the new cabinet in Bengaluru as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations and assured full cooperation for development.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday took oath as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka at a grand swearing-in ceremony held at the iconic Glass House within the Lok Bhavan premises in Bengaluru. The ceremony marked the formal beginning of a new Congress-led administration in the state, with senior Congress leader G. Parameshwara assuming office as the Deputy Chief Minister and 13 ministers joining the Council of Ministers.
The oath-taking ceremony drew thousands of party workers, supporters, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country. The event showcased the Congress party’s renewed leadership in Karnataka and highlighted its efforts to balance regional, caste, and political representation within the cabinet.
Veteran Congress leader G. Parameshwara was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister amid loud cheers from party supporters. Taking the oath in the name of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Parameshwara received a warm reception from party workers who have long viewed him as one of the most respected leaders in the state. A prominent Dalit leader, Parameshwara was considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post and is widely recognized for his administrative experience and calm leadership style. He previously served as Karnataka’s Home Minister during the Siddaramaiah-led government.
Among the senior leaders inducted into the cabinet was K.H. Muniyappa, who took the oath in the name of God. A seven-time Member of Parliament and current MLA from Devanahalli, Muniyappa is regarded as one of the most experienced leaders in the Karnataka Congress. His extensive political career includes serving as a Union Minister and holding important portfolios in the state government.
Another senior Congress figure, K.J. George, was sworn in as a minister. George, a six-time MLA from Bengaluru’s Sarvagnanagar constituency, is considered a trusted leader within the party and has maintained close ties with the Congress high command over the years. His inclusion in the cabinet reflects the leadership’s emphasis on administrative experience and urban governance.
Prominent Congress leader M.B. Patil also joined the cabinet, taking the oath in the name of Jagajyoti Basavanna, the Vachanakars, and the late Siddeshwara Swamiji. A five-time MLA from Babaleshwar, Patil is one of the most influential Lingayat leaders within the Congress and is regarded as a key strategist in the party’s Karnataka unit.
Senior legislator Ramalinga Reddy, representing Bengaluru’s BTM Layout constituency, was also sworn in as a minister. Known for maintaining cordial relations across political lines, Reddy has built a reputation as a people-centric leader with strong grassroots support.
Satish Jarkiholi, one of the most influential leaders from North Karnataka, was inducted into the cabinet as well. A five-time MLA from Yamakanmardi in Belagavi district, Jarkiholi enjoys considerable support among backward and marginalized communities. His inclusion is expected to strengthen the government’s outreach in northern Karnataka.
Krishna Byre Gowda, widely regarded as one of the Congress party’s policy-oriented leaders, also took the oath as a minister. Having represented multiple constituencies over his political career, Gowda is known for his focus on governance reforms and development-oriented initiatives.
The cabinet also includes Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. A three-time MLA from Chittapur in Kalaburagi district, Priyank Kharge has emerged as one of the party’s prominent younger leaders. He has frequently voiced strong criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has advocated progressive governance policies.
Former Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader was sworn in as a minister in the name of God. Khader earned praise across party lines during his tenure as Speaker for conducting Assembly proceedings in a fair and balanced manner. His administrative experience is expected to contribute significantly to the functioning of the new government.
Eshwar Khandre, a senior Lingayat leader from Bidar district, also joined the cabinet. Taking the oath in the name of God and his spiritual mentor Channabasava Pattadevaru, Khandre brings extensive political experience and strong organizational credentials to the government.
One of the notable developments during the ceremony was the induction of Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Taking the oath in the name of the Constitution, Yathindra begins his first tenure as a minister in the Karnataka government, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
Byrathi Suresh, a close associate of Siddaramaiah and a two-time MLA from Hebbal, was also sworn in. His inclusion underscores the influence of the outgoing Chief Minister within the Congress leadership structure.
Sharan Prakash Patil, a four-time MLA from Sedam constituency in Kalaburagi district, completed the list of ministers sworn into office. Known for his strong organizational abilities and cordial relations with senior Congress leaders, Patil is expected to play an important role in the administration.
The composition of the cabinet reflects the Congress party’s strategy of ensuring representation for various communities, regions, and political factions. Leaders from Dalit, Lingayat, Vokkaliga, Kuruba, and minority communities have been accommodated, highlighting the party’s attempt to maintain social and political balance within the government.
Soon after the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated D.K. Shivakumar on assuming office as Karnataka’s Chief Minister. In a post on X, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes for a successful tenure and emphasized the importance of cooperative governance.
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“Congratulations to Shri D.K. Shivakumar Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka. Best wishes for his tenure,” Prime Minister Modi stated.
The Prime Minister also assured full support and cooperation from the Central Government, affirming that the Centre would work closely with the Karnataka government to promote welfare initiatives, infrastructure development, economic growth, and public welfare across the state.
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With D.K. Shivakumar at the helm and G. Parameshwara serving as Deputy Chief Minister, the newly formed Karnataka government now faces the challenge of delivering on its electoral promises while addressing key issues such as employment generation, infrastructure development, social welfare, and economic growth. The coming months will be closely watched as the new administration begins implementing its governance agenda and shaping Karnataka’s political future.
