DK Shivakumar to take oath as chief minister on June 3, says top Karnataka Congress leader

NEW DELHI: Karnataka Congress president and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is set to take oath as the state's next chief minister on June 3, said Karnataka Congress working president G C Chandrashekhar.Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Saturday, Chandrashekhar said the swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan.“A decision has now been taken that the swearing-in ceremony will be held on June 3,” Chandrashekhar said, adding that the exact time of the oath-taking ceremony would be announced later.He also indicated that Shivakumar would embark on a statewide tour after assuming office. “DK Shivakumar will take oath as CM on June 3 after which he visit all district headquarters to seek public blessing,” Chandrashekhar said.“The swearing-in ceremony should not be extravagant. It should be conducted as simply as possible and should reflect a spirit of work and service rather than display or pomp. The party has taken a decision and issued directions that the event should be conducted in a simple manner,” he said.DK Shivakumar himself indicated that the swearing-in ceremony could take place on 3 June. Widely expected to be elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party, Shivakumar responded to questions about the oath-taking with a brief “Third, third”. Ahead of the CLP meeting, he left his residence amid a large gathering of supporters and paid respects at the Vidhan Soudha.Astrologer Aaradhya, who advises DK Shivakumar, said he had recommended that Shivakumar take the oath of office as chief minister on June 3 at 5.15 pm at Lok Bhavan.The announcement comes amid intense political activity within the ruling Congress after Siddaramaiah stepped down on May 28. Although Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot accepted his resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers, Siddaramaiah has been asked to continue as Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.Ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting on Saturday, Shivakumar arrived at Lok Bhavan and reiterated that the party's observers would consult the high command before a final decision is formalised. “A CLP meeting will be held in Bengaluru at 4 PM. Our two observers will arrive. We will conduct the CLP meeting in their presence, and subsequently, they will take a call after consulting with the High Command,” he said on Friday.