Bengaluru, June 3 (IANS) Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday welcomed AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi upon their arrival at the HAL Airport in Bengaluru ahead of the swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan.

Shivakumar greeted the senior Congress leaders with bouquets, and the leaders were seen engaging in a cordial conversation before proceeding to the venue of the oath-taking ceremony.

Upon arriving at Lok Bhavan, Shivakumar interacted with invitees and dignitaries gathered at the Glass House and sought the blessings of several prominent personalities and religious leaders.

Among those he met was Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, from whom he sought blessings ahead of assuming office. Shivakumar also paid his respects to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty by touching their feet and seeking their blessings.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities from different fields, including actor Shivarajkumar, actor Daali Dhananjaya, and actress and former Congress MP Ramya. Former Indian cricket captain and politician Mohammad Azharuddin was also among the dignitaries present.

Religious leaders and seers from various communities and faiths were invited to attend the event, reflecting the ceremony’s inclusive nature.

Speaking to the media, Shivakumar’s daughter, Aishwarya Shivakumar, said the occasion brought greater responsibility for her father. She noted that it was more than a dream fulfilled; it was a moment of increased responsibility, and the family was praying for God to give him strength. She expressed eagerness to see how he governs the state and wished him success in leading Karnataka effectively, drawing on his vast experience.

Several leaders from neighbouring Telangana were also present at the ceremony, including Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, and other senior members of the Telangana Cabinet.

The swearing-in ceremony drew political leaders, industrialists, film personalities, religious heads, and party workers from across the country, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Karnataka’s political landscape under the leadership of D.K. Shivakumar.

–IANS

mka/dan