Kharge And Rahul Gandhi Arrive In Bengaluru Ahead of Shivakumar Oath Ceremony

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar, who is set to take oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. The leaders were received at the HAL Airport by Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid a formal yet cordial welcome. The visit marked a significant political moment for the state as a new government leadership was being formally installed.

At the airport, Shivakumar greeted AICC President Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi with bouquets. The leaders were seen exchanging brief conversations before proceeding towards the official venue of the oath-taking ceremony at Lok Bhavan. The atmosphere at the airport reflected both celebration and political transition within the Congress leadership in Karnataka.

On reaching Lok Bhavan, Shivakumar interacted with several invited guests and dignitaries assembled at the Glass House. As part of pre-ceremonial traditions, he also sought blessings from religious leaders and prominent personalities. Among them was Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, from whom he received blessings ahead of assuming office as Chief Minister. The interactions highlighted the ceremonial and cultural aspects of the event.

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Shivakumar also paid respects to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty by touching their feet and seeking their blessings. The gesture was widely noted as part of the traditional customs observed during major political transitions. The ceremony drew attention from various sectors, including politics, industry, film and public life, reflecting its wide significance.

The swearing-in ceremony saw participation from several prominent personalities, including actor Shivarajkumar, actor Daali Dhananjaya, former MP and actress Ramya, and former India cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Leaders from neighbouring Telangana, including Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and several cabinet ministers, also attended the event. Religious leaders from different communities were invited as well, underlining the inclusive nature of the gathering.

The event marked a major political transition in Karnataka, with D.K. Shivakumar set to formally begin his tenure as Chief Minister. Family members, including his daughter Aishwarya Shivakumar, expressed emotional support and described the moment as one of increased responsibility. The ceremony concluded with wide participation from political leaders, industrialists, cultural figures and party workers from across the country.

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