Ahead of his swearing-in ceremony as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday met outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his official residence, Kaveri, in Bengaluru. The meeting was marked by cordial exchanges, with Shivakumar expressing gratitude to the senior Congress leader. The interaction comes as part of a series of courtesy visits by the incoming leadership ahead of formally assuming charge of the state government.

According to an official statement from Siddaramaiah’s office, former Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who is set to take oath as Deputy Chief Minister, also met Siddaramaiah during the visit. Both leaders conveyed their thanks, while Siddaramaiah congratulated them and extended his best wishes for their new responsibilities. The meeting reflected a smooth transition within the Congress-led government in Karnataka following recent leadership changes.

Several senior Congress leaders, including former minister R.V. Deshpande and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, were also present during the interaction. They joined in congratulating Shivakumar and Parameshwara on their elevation to key positions in the government. The gathering also featured moments of goodwill, with Siddaramaiah reportedly embracing both leaders and felicitating Shivakumar with a bouquet ahead of the oath-taking ceremony.

Also Read: Maharashtra Government Defers Loan Waiver Announcement Due To Election Guidelines

In a parallel development, Shivakumar also extended his outreach within the party by telephoning Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil and inviting him to join the Council of Ministers. Patil, a senior Congress leader and former minister, previously handled portfolios such as Medical Education and Skill Development in the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. His inclusion is seen as part of the broader cabinet formation exercise being carried out by the incoming leadership.

Party sources note that Patil’s political standing has been strengthened by his long association with senior Congress figures, including Siddaramaiah and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s family. His representation of the Sedam constituency in Kalaburagi district, a politically significant region in Karnataka, further adds weight to his anticipated ministerial role. Supporters were seen celebrating the development at his residence following the invitation.

Separately, Shivakumar also visited the residence of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa to seek his blessings ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Yediyurappa received him at the doorstep and later felicitated him with a shawl and garland after the two leaders exchanged greetings. Shivakumar also offered prayers in the puja room of the senior BJP leader’s residence, in a gesture seen as political courtesy across party lines. Former BJP MLA Bhyrati Basavaraj was also present during the brief interaction.

Also Read: MP Government Introduces Chief Minister Sugam Bus Service For Women