In a decisive show of unity, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Karnataka on Saturday unanimously elected senior leader D.K. Shivakumar as its leader, paving the way for his appointment as the next Chief Minister of the state.
The announcement followed a brief round of internal consultations at the Vidhan Soudha, where outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formally informed party MLAs of his resignation and deferred the leadership decision to the Congress High Command.
The meeting, attended by central observers Randeep Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal, witnessed a short recess before the final declaration. Sources described the process as smooth yet symbolic, underscoring the party’s intent to project cohesion after its emphatic victory in the state elections. Shivakumar’s elevation marks a significant moment for the Congress, which has sought to balance regional representation and organisational strength in Karnataka’s political landscape.
Known for his strategic acumen and grassroots connections, Shivakumar has long been regarded as one of the party’s most influential figures in southern India. His leadership is expected to focus on reviving governance momentum, strengthening rural outreach, and rebuilding trust among youth and farmers—key constituencies that shaped the Congress comeback.
Preparations are underway for the swearing‑in ceremony in Bengaluru, where party leaders and supporters are expected to gather in large numbers to witness the transition.
With the CLP’s unanimous endorsement, Karnataka now awaits the formal oath‑taking that will usher in a new phase of governance under Shivakumar’s stewardship.
