Congress high command authorized Karnataka CM-elect Siddaramaiah and his would-be deputy D K Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah will be elected as Karnataka’s CM for the second time.

Congress Chief M Mallikarjun Kharge has invited leaders from several like-minded parties for the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will be administering the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister and his Cabinet at 12.30 PM at Kanteerava Stadiu in Bengaluru. It is the same place where Siddaramaiah took oath in 2013. The event can be a show of power for opposition parties against ruling BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The 75 year old will become the CM for the second time after his 5 year stint since 2013 and 61 year old Shivakumar who had earlier worked as minister under Siddaramaiah will continue as the party’s Karnataka state president till parliamentary elections are over next year.

The first task he has to do is forming a Cabinet with the right combinations, having representatives from all communities, regions, factions and also from the old and new generation of legislators.

Mr Kharge, former Congress Presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi also General secretary Priyanka Gandhi and several other Congress Chief Ministers and leaders are being expected to attend the event.