Bhopal, June 3 (IANS) The swearing-in of D.K. Shivakumar as Karnataka’s 25th Chief Minister on Wednesday resonated beyond the southern state, with the Madhya Pradesh Congress leadership describing the development as a shining example of party discipline, organisational commitment, and democratic transition within the Congress.

As Shivakumar took the oath at a ceremony in Bengaluru, senior Congress leaders from Madhya Pradesh congratulated him and expressed confidence in his ability to lead Karnataka into a new phase of growth and governance.

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said the leadership transition in Karnataka demonstrated how personal ambitions can be subordinated to the party’s larger interests.

Referring to Shivakumar’s long wait for the top post despite being one of the Congress’s most influential leaders in Karnataka, Patwari noted that his conduct had set an example for party workers across the country.

“The manner in which D.K. Shivakumar displayed patience and stood steadfastly by the Congress party serves, in a way, as an exemplary precedent for all of us,” Patwari said.

He also praised former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for facilitating a smooth transfer of power, adding that such transitions are rare in contemporary politics.

“For new workers like us, this offers a valuable lesson: the party is paramount, not the individual. Nowhere else has the transition of the Chief Ministership been handled as smoothly as this. Thus, Siddaramaiah-ji has set a remarkable precedent,” Patwari added.

The MP Congress chief further said he was confident that Karnataka would achieve “new heights of progress, prosperity, and inclusive development” under Shivakumar’s leadership.

Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath also welcomed the development.

“Heartiest congratulations to D.K. Shivakumar on becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I wish you a successful and people-centric tenure,” he said.

Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Umang Singhar, remarked that Shivakumar’s elevation reflected the Congress party’s faith in experienced leadership.

“I am confident that under your leadership, Karnataka will set new benchmarks in development, good governance, and public welfare. I wish you a successful tenure, excellent health, and a bright future,” Singhar said.

The statements from Madhya Pradesh Congress leaders underscore the party’s attempt to portray Karnataka’s leadership transition as a successful example of unity, patience, and organisational discipline, at a time when political parties across the country continue to grapple with leadership challenges.

–IANS

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