Under DK Shivakumar's leadership, Congress will again return to power in Karnataka in 2028, says K C Venugopal

BENGALURU: Former deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar will be sworn in as the chief minister of Karnataka on June 3 after being unanimously elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal announced on Saturday.Addressing a press conference after the CLP meeting, Venugopal said Shivakumar had secured unanimous support from party legislators and would soon stake claim to form the government."Now, he (Shivakumar) is going to Raj Bhavan to stake claim as chief minister , and he will be sworn in as chief minister on the evening of June 3rd with his team," Venugopal stated. He said the Congress high command had proposed Shivakumar's name for the top post, which was formally moved by outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah and seconded by senior leader Dr G Parameshwara."Congress high command suggested the name of DK Shivakumar as the leader of Congress Legislative Party. Siddaramaiah ji proposed the name of DK Shivakumar as the new leader of the Legislature Party. Dr G Parameshwara seconded it. CLP unanimously accepted the name moved by Siddaramaiah. I would like to proudly announce that the Legislative Party unanimously elected DK Shivakumar as the leader of the Legislative Party," he added. Venugopal also highlighted the party's appreciation of Siddaramaiah's leadership, noting that the CLP had unanimously passed a resolution acknowledging his contribution as chief minister ."Everyone thought this change would be a problem for the Congress Party. Everyone anticipated this. We are a family, a great family. The Congress Legislature Party unanimously acknowledges Siddaramaiah's service as chief minister for the last eight years. That resolution was moved by none other than DK Shivakumar. He presented a resolution congratulating him for his excellent service aschief minister of Karnataka. This is a proud moment for the Congress Party. In 2028, Congress will return to power in Karnataka with the support of all the leaders," he said."In 2028, Congress will return to power in Karnataka with the support of all the leaders," he stressed. Following the meeting, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar proceeded to Lok Bhavan to inform the Governor about the party's decision. Siddaramaiah had resigned on May 28, describing his decision as voluntary and taken on the advice of the party high command. After his resignation, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot dissolved the Council of Ministers with immediate effect. However, Siddaramaiah has been asked to continue as chief minister until alternative arrangements are made. The Congress government in Karnataka recently completed three years in office. The party is now working on the formation of the new ministry ahead of Shivakumar's swearing-in ceremony.(With Agency Inputs)