DK Shivakumar takes oath in the name of Ajjayya and with constitution in hand

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during his swearing-in ceremony in Bengaluru on June 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

DK Shivakumar went on stage with a copy of the constitution to take oath as the new Chief Minister. He took the oath in the name of the late oracle Veera Gangadhar Ajjayya, his spiritual mentor, while holding the institute. Before taking the oath, he paid floral tributes to the seer and also bowed before the assembly.

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This symbolism attracted attention because it seemed to combine respect for a spiritual figure with an affirmation of constitutional values.

Evoking Ambedkar

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwar followed and took the oath on behalf of BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution.

Several ministers invoked different spiritual and ideological traditions when taking the oath. KH Muniyappa and KJ George took the oath in the name of God. MB Patil invoked Vishwaguru Basavanna, other Sharanas and Siddheshwar Swami.

Soon after, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was seen reminding the ministers to abide by the prescribed oath. However, he learns that the officials promised him that there was no deviation from the norm. Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda and Priyank Kharge took oath in order without mentioning any names.

The sequence was interrupted by UT Khader who took the oath in the name of God, followed by Eshwar Khandre who invoked both God and Lingaikya Channabasava Pattadevar.

Yathindra Siddaramaiah chose to take the oath in the name of the Constitution, while Byrathi Suresh and Sharan Prakash Patil took the oath in the name of God.

Published – 04 Jun 2026 07:00 IST