DK Shivakumar unanimously elected CLP leader, set to take over as Karnataka CM

Karnataka will have a new Chief Minister, and it will be none other than DK Shivakumar. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday elected Shivakumar as its leader, a constitutional formality before he is appointed the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

As per sources, the process began in the Conference Hall of the Vidhan Soudha with some drama, as outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed Congress MLAs that the decision on the next CLP leader would be taken by the Congress High Command.

Subsequently, Randeep Surjewala – one of the two central observers along with KC Venugopal – announced a 10-minute break. Siddaramaiah, Venugopal, and Surjewala then proceeded to the Chief Minister’s chamber.

SIDDARAMAIAH BACKS DKS

However, as dramatic as the turn of events may sound, the resolution was seconded by senior leader Parameshwara and passed unanimously by the MLAs.

This was followed by another resolution in which Siddaramaiah proposed Shivakumar’s name as the CLP leader, in a clear indication that the new leader had the blessings of the top leadership. Siddaramaiah’s proposal was seconded by Parameshwara, following which Shivakumar was unanimously chosen as the next CLP leader by a show of hands.

There was also a third resolution, another formality in India’s democratic traditions, where Shivakumar moved a motion thanking Siddaramaiah for his support.

SIDDARAMAIAH ADDRESSES MLAs

In his final address to Congress MLAs before handing over the baton to Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah praised his government for delivering good governance despite the odds stacked against it.

He told the MLAs that his administration had effectively implemented the guarantees promised by the Congress party.

“We provided the best administration despite the injustice meted out by the Centre,” the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka said. He also attributed the party’s electoral success to its socio-economic guarantee schemes.

VENUGOPAL PRAISES SIDDARAMAIAH, SHIVAKUMAR

After Shivakumar, an eight-term MLA, was formally elected as the CLP leader, Venugopal praised both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for their commitment to the Congress party.

“I can proudly say that Siddaramaiah ji has won everyone over,” he said, while taking a swipe at the BJP for doubting the party’s ability to ensure a smooth transition of power.

While Siddaramaiah has already made it clear that he would not move to national politics, Venugopal also hinted that the Congress would continue to utilise him at the national level.

Finally, he praised Shivakumar, who had been waiting in the wings for over five years to become the Chief Minister. Recalling his long association with the party, Venugopal lauded Shivakumar for his “unmatched” love and loyalty towards the Congress.

NEXT STEPS IN KARNATAKA SAGA

Following the CLP meeting, Shivakumar along with Siddaramaiah met Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot to stake a claim to form the government. Given that the party has a comfortable majority in the Assembly, this would be a mere formality.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Venugopal also announced the much-awaited date for the swearing-in ceremony. “DK Shivakumar and his team will be sworn in on the evening of June 3,” he said.

In fact, he also expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power in 2028 under the leadership of Shivakumar.

With the formalities over, the focus now shifts to who gets what in the incoming Cabinet. Maintaining caste, regional and factional balance will be key to Shivakumar’s 23-month tenure as Chief Minister of Karnataka.