Bengaluru is set to witness a leadership transition next week, with senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar likely to be sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister on June 3. According to sources, a delegation led by Shivakumar is expected to meet Governor Thawarchand Gehlot to finalise arrangements for the oath-taking ceremony. The swearing-in is likely to be a low-key affair, marking the formal beginning of a new administration after Siddaramaiah stepped down from the top post on Thursday. Speculation over the timing of the ceremony had intensified in recent days amid political discussions surrounding the change in leadership. Sources indicated that Shivakumar, known for his religious beliefs, chose the date after consultations with astrologer Bellur Dwarakanath.
The new government is expected to reflect a carefully calibrated social and political balance. Sources said two Deputy Chief Ministers may be inducted alongside Shivakumar, with one likely to represent the Dalit community and another drawn from the minority community. The Congress leadership is understood to be working towards accommodating key caste groups, communities and party factions in the new Cabinet. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of the outgoing Chief Minister, is also likely to be assigned a significant responsibility in the administration as the party seeks to ensure a smooth transition and maintain internal cohesion.
The leadership change follows months of jockeying between the camps of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Last week, the Congress high command reportedly endorsed Shivakumar's claim to the post and asked Siddaramaiah to step aside. Sources said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has emphasised greater representation for Dalits, Other Backward Classes and minorities in the new Cabinet. He is also believed to be pushing for the inclusion of younger leaders, a move aimed at projecting generational change and strengthening the party's appeal ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.