DK Shivakumar Sworn In as Karnataka CM, Announces Free Bus Passes for Students

Karnataka has entered a new political chapter with senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar taking oath as the state's 34th Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru marked the transfer of leadership from former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the beginning of a new administration.

The event was attended by senior Congress leaders, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, alongside chief ministers from several Congress-ruled states.

Who is part of the new Karnataka cabinet?

Alongside Shivakumar, senior Congress leader G Parameshwara was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. Twelve other legislators were inducted into the Council of Ministers, signalling the formation of a new governing team.

Among the notable inductees is Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. His inclusion attracted attention as the new government began taking shape.

Speaking after his induction, Yathindra Siddaramaiah said, "I have not been part of my father's (Siddaramaiah) government, so I don't know what differences will be there, but I am sure whatever the good work the previous government has done will continue it and will give a very honest and effective government to the people of Karnataka. I have not put any demands on the high command; whatever portfolio they allot, I'll be happy."

What was the first major decision announced by the new Chief Minister?

In his first interaction with the media after taking office, Shivakumar announced a major welfare measure aimed at students across Karnataka.

The government will provide free bus passes to all school and college students, expanding transport benefits beyond existing schemes that primarily focused on female students.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Shivakumar said, "This is the youth era. Students were asking why there is a free bus just for girls. We are giving passes to all students - a free bus pass without any charge. A bus pass is free for all school and college students. This is the first decision by the DK Shivakumar cabinet. Students have to apply for this, will discuss this with the Transport Department."

The announcement signals the new government's intention to prioritise youth-focused policies from the outset.

How does the government plan to address employment concerns?

Apart from the transport initiative, Shivakumar also appealed to unemployed youth to register with the government.

According to the Chief Minister, the administration plans to coordinate with private companies and employers to facilitate job opportunities for job seekers, indicating that employment generation will be one of the government's key focus areas.

What administrative changes have been made?

The new government moved quickly to strengthen the Chief Minister's Secretariat by appointing 1993-batch IAS officer Tushar Giri Nath as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister.

The appointment is part of broader administrative restructuring aimed at ensuring efficient governance during the initial phase of the new administration.

What messages did national and state leaders share?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shivakumar and assured cooperation from the Union government.

"Congratulations to Shri DK Shivakumar Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka. Best wishes for his tenure. The Centre will work closely with the Karnataka Government for the welfare of the people," he said in a post on X.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also extended his best wishes to his successor and the newly sworn-in ministers.

"Congratulations to Comrade D.K. Shivakumar, who has taken oath as the new Chief Minister of the state, and to all the new ministers,"

Reflecting on his own tenure, Siddaramaiah said, "Over the past three years, I take great personal satisfaction in the honest efforts made to transform Karnataka into a land of peace, prosperity, and harmony, and to ensure justice, freedom, and security for every individual in the state. We have built a new model of development for Karnataka by implementing social justice alongside development programs that include guarantee schemes. I hope that in the coming days, the new Chief Minister and all the ministers will unite to lead Karnataka forward on this same path of development."

What priorities has the new government outlined?

The new administration has emphasised continuity in implementing Congress' guarantee schemes while also focusing on development, transparency and citizen-friendly governance.

Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said, "Congress always believes in development. Congress always believes in pro-people policies. And we are trying to bring in transparency in the administration, and we will try to give people a friendly administration."

Minister UT Khader also highlighted the importance of collective leadership, saying, "Now the new cabinet, under CM D.K. Shivakumar, has taken oath. I am happy to be a part of the cabinet and work as a team, taking the guidance and suggestions of our ex-CM and ex-Ministers. So that our teamwork will ultimately benefit the society, the state and country."

What does this mean for Karnataka going forward?

The formation of the new cabinet, the appointment of key officials and the announcement of a statewide student bus pass programme indicate that Shivakumar intends to begin his tenure with visible policy initiatives and administrative action.

With Congress leaders stressing continuity, welfare measures, employment generation and transparent governance, the coming months will reveal how the new Chief Minister translates these priorities into long-term policy outcomes for Karnataka.

(With inputs from ANI)