Opinion | Keeping It 'Cool': What Next For DK Shivakumar?

Updated: Jun 01, 2026 19:22 pm IST Published On Jun 01, 2026 19:20 pm IST Last Updated On Jun 01, 2026 19:22 pm IST

Published On Jun 01, 2026 19:20 pm IST

Last Updated On Jun 01, 2026 19:22 pm IST

While the transfer of power in Karnataka from Siddaramaiah to DK Shivakumar was a flawless execution done with clockwork precision and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting that followed also turned out to be remarkably smooth, Chief Minister-designate Shivakumar's political acumen will be put to a sharp test when he takes the next big step: the Cabinet formation.

After the CLP unanimously elected him as its leader, Shivakumar met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and staked his claim to form the government. The swearing-in of the new Chief Minister and the other ministers has been scheduled for 4.05 pm on Wednesday, June 3.

Shunning any kind of fanfare or, as some people interpret it, avoiding the potential for mismanagement due to the presence of a large number of his supporters, Shivakumar has chosen to have the ceremony at the Lok Bhavan's (formerly Raj Bhavan) glasshouse, which can accommodate no more than 200 people.

No Pomp And Pageantry

Avoiding the Kanteera stadium, with a capacity of about 25,000 people or the grand steps in front of the majestic Vidhana Soudha - which have acted as venues for some of the recent swearing-in ceremonies - Shivakumar appears to have deliberately opted for a low-key affair limited to a handful of dignitaries.

Strangely, though five days have passed since Rahul Gandhi asked Siddaramaiah to quit and Shivakumar has subsequently been invited by the Governor to form the government, Shivakumar has been unusually quiet, not even showing great emotion in public.

It is not the Shivakumar we have known for nearly four decades: whenever a Congress government has been installed, he has been in the forefront organising massive........

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