D.K. Shivakumar Takes Oath as Chief Minister in the Name of Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya

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Bengaluru : In a highly significant and historic moment, D.K. Shivakumar officially assumed charge as the 24th Chief Minister of Karnataka. During the ceremony, he held a copy of the Constitution of India and solemnly took his oath in the name of his revered deity, Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot during a dignified yet grand event organized at the Glass House of Lokabhavan on Wednesday.

The momentous occasion was graced by a galaxy of top national and regional political leaders. Notable attendees included AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah. Additionally, Chief Ministers from various Congress-ruled states, such as Revanth Reddy of Telangana and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh, along with Kerala’s Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan and Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, were present to witness the event. Before taking the stage for his oath, Shivakumar paid floral tributes to the portrait of Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya and performed a full prostration (Sashtanga Namaskara) before the gathering as a sign of deep gratitude. Following his swearing-in, Dr. G. Parameshwara took the oath as the Deputy Chief Minister, alongside 12 other prominent cabinet ministers, including K.H. Muniyappa, K.J. George, M.B. Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, U.T. Khader, Eshwar Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharanprakash Patil.

Throughout the ceremony, the atmosphere inside the Lokabhavan Glass House was electric, reverberating with thunderous chants of “D.K., D.K.” from thousands of ecstatic supporters. The event drew a diverse and distinguished audience, comprising newly elected MPs, senior Congress leaders from across the country, and an influential contingent of religious heads representing Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and other faiths, showcasing a powerful image of communal harmony.

As soon as Shivakumar entered the venue, he walked over to the enclosure where the seers and religious leaders were seated to seek their divine blessings. In a series of deeply symbolic gestures, Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of the Adi Chunchanagiri Math blessed the new Chief Minister with a traditional ‘Bhairava Maale’. Sri Niranjanandapuri Swamiji of the Kanaka Peetha draped a black woolen blanket (Kari Kambali) over his shoulders, wishing him a smooth governance path. Other seers presented him with holy Rudraksha beads, Christian clergy placed a crucifix chain around his neck while praying for Karnataka’s progress under his leadership, and Sant Sevalal Swamiji gifted a beautifully embroidered Lambani shawl. Blessings were also bestowed by Sri Vidyaprasanna Teertha Swamiji of the Subramanya Kshetra and several other spiritual leaders.

The enthusiasm of the crowd peaked at the conclusion of the formal event as waves of passionate party workers and admirers surged toward the barricades, eagerly extending their hands to greet their leader. Maintaining his trademark composure and warmth, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar smiled throughout, making a conscious effort to shake hands with as many supporters as possible to boost their morale.

The grand ceremony concluded in the presence of an illustrious list of dignitaries, family members, and celebrities. Among the prominent spiritual figures were Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Sri Niranjanandapuri Swamiji, Sant Sevalal Swamiji, Basavamurthi Madara Chennaiah Swamiji, Archbishop Reverend Dr. Peter Machado, Pejavara Matha’s Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, Bhovi Matha’s Sri Himmadi Siddheshwar Swamiji, Dwarkanath Guruji, Prasannananda Swamiji of Valmiki Guru Peetha, Sri Tontadarya Swamiji of Gadag, Sri Vidyaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, and Vinay Guruji. The Chief Minister was also solidly backed by his family, including his wife Usha Shivakumar, daughter Aisshwarya DKS Hegde, and his brother and BAMUL President D.K. Suresh, alongside popular film star and former MP Ramya, and various newly elected legislators.