Karnataka govt formation updates: Kumaraswamy promises 'balance' between Congress, JD(S) agenda

Watch: Mamata Banerjee reprimand Bengaluru cop reportedly because she had to walk a few metres 

#WATCH: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reprimands DIG Neelamani Raju as she came to Karnataka Vidhana Soudha for oath taking ceremony because reportedly had to walk a few metres, also expressed discontentment to HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy. #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/WZ2n0QVE9b

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Karnataka Assembly to convene on 25 May at 12.15 pm; HDK will take floor test

HD Kumaraswamy may not move into ‘inauspicious’ CM’s official bungalow 

Various media reports have said that Kumaraswamy may continue living in his personal JP Nagar residence and not move into the official CM’s residence, Anugraha. He will instead move into the chief secretary’s residence, once she retires and moves out of it. The modest 5-bedroom-bungalow is located between Balabrooie, the state guest house, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. 

Set amid a thick canopy of trees, the residence has a total built-up area of 20,000 sq. feet. The ground floor has three bedrooms each with an en-suite, while the first floor has two bedrooms with en-suite facilities, and a sitting hall. It also has a sitting hall, the dining hall, kitchen and a storeroom. A home office and servant quarters are also located on the premises,  Bangalore Mirror  reported. 

According to  IBTimes , the reason Kumaraswamy has steered clear of Anugraha this time is its ‘inauspicious Vastu’. “He has been in touch with two prominent Vastu pundits who were assigned to check out the four available CM residences including Cauvery and Anugraha. After surveying the houses, they warned Kumaraswamy not to move to any of the designated official residences or else he may not complete the full five-year term,” the report said. 

The chief minister has been on a temple run ever since BS Yeddyurappa stepped down and his rise to power became imminent.

Tejashwi Yadav congratulates Kumaraswamy, says pleased to share stage with senior leaders

Heartiest congratulations to @HD_Kumaraswamy & @DrParameshwara for taking oath as CM & Deputy CM of Karnataka.

Pleased to meet, interact & share the stage with senior and prominent leaders of India. United we stand divided we fall.. pic.twitter.com/TnrKhUBZ96

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 23, 2018

Narendra Modi spoke to HD Kumaraswamy on phone and congratulated him on being sworn-in

Aware of bumpy road ahead, understand sentiment of those agains alliance, says Deputy CM G Parameshwara

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Aware of the bumpy roads ahead as the Congress-JDS coalition takes over the state administration, Parameshwara has said that difficult times are ahead for the coalition, but there was a need to stop the BJP from coming to power in the southern state.

He had said he understood the sentiments of many who were averse to a tie-up between the Congress and the JDS, but the Congress had lent support to Gowda’s party to keep communal forces away from power.

Narendra Modi sends best wishes to HD Kumaraswamy; JD(S) leader responds using Karnataka CMO handle

I congratulate Shri @hd_kumaraswamy Ji and @DrParameshwara Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. My best wishes for their tenure ahead.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2018

My heartfelt thanks to you PM @narendramodi ji for the wishes. I have full faith in our federal system and I am there with you on all development-oriented issues. I also seek your full cooperation in developing Karnataka into a model state.

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) May 23, 2018

Narendra Modi sends best wishes to HD Kumaraswamy; JD(S) leader responds using Karnataka CMO handle

I congratulate Shri @hd_kumaraswamy Ji and @DrParameshwara Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. My best wishes for their tenure ahead.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2018

Meet G Parameshwara: Unflinching Congress loyalist who finally made it to Dy CM’s post

The Dalit face of the Congress in Karnataka and its state unit chief G Parameshwara has finally made it to the deputy chief minister’s post, for which he has been a contender for too long. The longest-serving state party president since October 2010, 66-year-old Parameshwara has remained a hardcore loyalist of the party ever since his political debut through the Congress.

An educationist born into a well-to-do family, articulate, soft-spoken and suave, Parameshwara had tried his hand in diversified fields before rising to prominence in politics. He was born in Gollahandi in Tumkur district and grew up in Tumkur.

Having obtained a PhD in plant physiology from Waite Agriculture Research Centre of the University of Adelaide, he became the administrative officer of the Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, a group of institutions his family had built.

He did his B.Sc and M.Sc in Agriculture from University of Agriculture Sciences in Bengaluru. His meeting with Rajiv Gandhi in 1989 changed his fortunes. Parameshwara had gone to meet Gandhi in New Delhi when the latter realised the potential in him and invited him to join politics.

He was then made joint secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. 

Parameshwara always remained unflinching in his loyalty to the Congress, even during the tumultuous phase in the party. He took the plunge into the electoral politics in 1989 when he defeated his nearest rival from Janata Dal in Madhugiri.- PTI

HD Kumaraswamy’s political journey

HD Kumaraswamy entered electoral politics by contesting the Kanakapura Lok Sabha seat in 1996 and won. He subsequently lost both parliamentary and assembly elections. He got elected to the assembly for the first time in 2004, when the JD(S) joined the coalition government headed by Congress’s Dharm Singh after the elections threw up a hung House.

In 2006, he rebelled and walked out of the coalition with 42 MLAs against the wish of his father, citing threat to the party, and formed the government with the BJP, becoming the chief minister during his very first term as MLA. Under a rotational chief ministership arrangement, he helmed the state for 20 months.

When the BJP’s turn for chief ministership came, he reneged on the arrangement, and brought down the Yeddyurappa government within seven days. In the election that followed in 2008, the BJP formed its government in Karnataka, its first south of the Vindhyas.

Narendra Modi lies when it suits him: Kumaraswamy

“Narendra Modi lies whenever it suits him. He said he will solve the Mahadayi issue but he did not. There are more important issues than Lingayats in Karnataka. Let me assure you one thing, there will be a major political change in 2019,” Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy said.

Not a seers job to crticise politicians, say Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy 

“To some Swami ji’s all I have to say is, if you have a favourite case or community, then keep that to your mutt. My politics has never been about one or two castes. A Swami’s job is not to criticise politicians, they should advise us or join politics themselves. If Swami ji’s want to talk about how only BJP has the right to form government, let them come into politics. Your job is to spread dharma, not comment on politics. I respect seers but such comments hurt me. What wrong have I done? It was me who brought the BJP to power 10 years back. Let them realise my contribution to their party. Don’t think of the JD(S) as a small party. Nelson Mandela used to say poverty is not an accident, it can be removed. That is our main focus. We want justice, food, shelter and peace for all. That is this government’s aim,” said Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy.

Will delicately balance JD(S) and Congress’ ideas on governance, says HD Kumaraswamy 

“The Congress have their ideas and I have mine so we will strike a delicate balance in running this government. We will work towards fulfilling both our parties’ vision. You will come to know of it all when my government presents a new budget. I already have a blueprint on how to waive farmer loans. Let’s now keep the politics aside and work towards the state’s development. My office will be open 24 hours for you to come and report on where we have gone wrong. There is no one more adjustable than G Parameshwara, who is the deputy CM. I can guarantee you that any difference of opinion will be solved within minutes,” said HD Kumaraswamy in his maiden presser as Karnataka CM.

‘We are not responsible for political instability’

“No party got the clear majority in the elections. We are not responsible for the political instability. I have to take a trust vote on 25 May, until then, I have no powers. Our BJP friends are up to a lot of activity in this, I will respond to them in the Assembly. This government will be more stable than you realise. This is for the first time that so many national-level leaders are coming together on one stage for an oath-taking ceremony,” says Kumaraswamy

Mamata Banerjee congratulates HD Kumaraswamy on swearing-in 

I was present in the swearing-in ceremony of @hd_kumaraswamy as Chief Minister of Karnataka at Bangalore today.

My heartiest congratulations and best, best wishes to the new government.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 23, 2018

Won’t backtrack on promises but there would be limitations in coalition govt, says HD Kumaraswamy 

HD Kumaraswamy today said there would be certain limitations in a coalition government and he would have to take the consent of his coalition partner, the Congress.

Speaking to reporters at Mysuru after worshipping Goddess Chamundeshwari on the Chamunda Hill, he said, “I have limitations as a head of the coalition government. I have to take our coalition partners into confidence.”

“They (Congress) too have their own programmes in their manifesto. We have to compile the manifesto of two parties and after improving the economy of the state, we will waive farm loans. There is no question of my backtracking,” he added.

However financial difficulties are there, without disturbing the state economy we will implement it, the JDS leader said.

He said it was not true that the new government has taken a u-turn on waiving farmer loans adding there was no changes in the promises made in the party manifesto. The JDS leader appealed to farmers not to take “drastic steps.”

Deputy CM G Parameshwara tweets after taking oath of office, says will work for welfare of people 

As the Deputy CM of our state, I have a bigger responsibility now. I believe in the ideologies of @INCIndia and I promise to follow the path set by our leaders. I will work towards the welfare and upliftment of our people.

My sincere gratitude for all your support and wishes.

— Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) May 23, 2018

Kumaraswamy takes oath with galaxy of top leaders in attendance

H D Kumaraswamy was today sworn in as the Karnataka chief minister at the head of a JD(S)-Congress coalition government. 

Other members of the council of ministers will be inducted after the Kumaraswamy government wins the trust vote on Friday. Attired in the traditional “dhoti” and white shirt, Kumaraswamy took the oath in the name of God and the people of “Kannada Nadu”.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Pinarayi Vijayan, her counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala respectively, were present.

Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, who have struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and socialist leader Sharad Yadav were also in attendance. The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year. – PTI

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh congratulates new government in Karnataka

Congratulations to Shri HD Kumaraswamy and Shri G Parameshwar on taking oath as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. I hope, Karnataka will move forward towards peace, progress and prosperity under the new Govt.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 23, 2018

Thumbnail image of a united Opposition

After the oath of office was administered to HD Kumaraswamy and G Parameshwara, the Opposition leaders present on the stage posed for a picture that could define the anti-BJP narrative in 2019 elections. On the same dias, we had a Akhilesh Yadav engaged in small talk with Mayawati, a Sonia Gandhi hugging a Mayawati and a Mamata Banerjee exchanging pleasentaries with Sitaram Yechury.

But the questions remains whether such a coalition could come together, and more importantly sustain, purely on the basis of keeping Narendra Modi-led BJP out of power. 

Watch: Opposition might on full display at HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in 

#WATCH Opposition leaders, including Congress' Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi, SP's Akhilesh Yadav, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury and NCP's Sharad Pawar, with newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy at Vidhana Soudha. pic.twitter.com/kTnFBQ0cqC

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Congress’ G Parameshwara takes oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka 

Bengaluru: Congress' G.Parameshwara takes oath as Deputy Chief Minister of #Karnataka. pic.twitter.com/EMLbiAXM5L

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

HD Kumaraswamy is Chief Minister of Karnataka  

#BREAKING -- @hd_kumaraswamy takes oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka, administered by Governor Vajubhai Vala #CMKumaraswamy

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/uKFURQQahL pic.twitter.com/lxK9aU5ol5

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

Governor Vajubhai Vala administers oath to HD Kumaraswamy 

#FLASH: JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy takes oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka, administered by Governor Vajubhai Vala. pic.twitter.com/8mdkcbX7dR

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

National Anthem plays out at swearing-in ceremony; oath taking begins

Opposition camaraderie at display during HD Kumaraswamy’s oath taking ceremony

Bengaluru: Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi meet BSP chief Mayawati at Vidhana Soudha. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/OouksXMUio

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Rahul, Sonia Gandhi take stage at HDK’s swearing-in 

Bengaluru: Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi arrive at Vidhana Soudha for HD Kumaraswamy and G.Parameshwara's swearing in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Ky6yvlaLH3

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Watch: HD Kumaraswamy, G Parameshwara take stage for their swearing-in

#WATCH | Top Opposition leaders at swearing-in ceremony; HD Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) arrives to take oath as Karnataka CM | @deepab18 with details | #CMKumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/EL8J0YWbri

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

HD Dewe Gowda arrives at son’s swearing-in ceremony 

Soon-to-be sworn-in chief minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy, his father the former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has arrived at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda & his wife Chennamma arrive at Vidhana Soudha. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/KuTTu50Jy0

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati share camaraderie on stage ahead of HDK’s swearing-in 

Bengaluru: Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati at Vidhana Soudha ahead of HD Kumaraswamy and G.Parameshwara's swearing in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/ckhN3oIzIN

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Pre-monsoon drizzle in Bengaluru ahead of HDK swearing-in; JD(S) workers spirits undamped 

People at Vidhana Soudha take shelter under tarpaulin as rain lashes Bengaluru ahead of HD Kumaraswamy and G.Parameshwara's swearing in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively. pic.twitter.com/Hc7NBDP4EE

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

I endorsed this coalition for the good of the people of Karnataka: HD Dewe Gowda

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Speaking to CNN-news18, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo, HD Dewe Gowda said that the Congress-JD(S) coalition has his blessings. “I endorsed this coalition for the good of the people,” HD Dewe Gowda said.

Sonia, Rahul Gandhi addressed newly-elected Congress MLAs in Karnataka

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UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi & Congress President @RahulGandhi address the newly elected Congress MLAs in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/hgEwKKlfdo

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 23, 2018

Pinarayi Vijayan arrives at Vidhan Soudha ahead of swearing-in; Rahul Gandhi too leaves from Hilton Hotel 

According to _CNN-News18, K_erala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with other dignitaries have reached the venue. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal and Sitaram Yechury had arrived earlier.

N Chandrababu Naidu met Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee in Bengaluru ahead of HDK’s swearing-in

Met with @MamataOfficial & Mayawati ji at the swearing in ceremony of @hd_kumaraswamy as Karnataka's CM. We're here to strengthen the regional parties and will work together to protect and promote national interests. pic.twitter.com/OuSwgnt6zx

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 23, 2018

Its a full house at HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in as Opposition leaders start arriving at the venue

Image Courtesy: News18

Preparations in full swing outside Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru 

PTI

Pre-monsoon showers in Bengaluru ahead of HDK swearing-in 

#Karnataka: Pre #monsoon #rain in #Bengaluru begin, To intensifies as Monsoon nears: https://t.co/WKSkBS4hoE #weathertweet #bengalururains #news @TOIBengaluru @News_Karnataka pic.twitter.com/gKjQjnt8kR

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) May 23, 2018

Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and Sitaram Yechury met in Bengaluru ahead of HDK swearing-in 

Bengaluru: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu and CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury met, ahead of attending HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in as Chief Minister of #Karnataka. pic.twitter.com/uTnCSqw3Sg

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

BS Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu resigned as MP’s but constituencies magically disappear from vacancy lists on LS website 

Something very curious is happening on the Lok Sabha website. BJP’s BS Yeddyurappa along with co-legislator B Sreeramulu, both CM and deputy CM hopefuls,  had resigned as Lok Sabha members  on Saturday after taking oath as the MLAs of the newly-constituted state Legislative Assembly. This interestingly brought down BJP’s tally at 272, the borderline magic number mark. If one counts BJP MLAs Shatrughan Sinha’s rebellion and  Kirti Azad’s disqualification , the tally drops under the majority mark to 270. 

However, several Twitter users reported that after the BJP failed to prove its majority in Karnataka, the Lok Sabha website started showing BS Yeddyurappa and Sriramulu’s names back in the list of MPs. Their constituencies too were missing from the vacant constituencies list. When Firstpost tried to corroborate this, the MLAs names were missing from list of MPs but the two Lok Sabha constituencies were still not being shown as vacant. 

So, why have their names reappeared on #LokSabha MP list after losing #Karnataka trust vote?

Have their resignations been formally un-accepted?
By?
How?
Under what rule/law?

ps: With these 2 resignations, BJP slips under the majority mark (272). Is this some “Shahi jugaad”? https://t.co/YvVAUbBndU

— @rakeshfilm (Rakesh Sharma) (@rakeshfilm) May 23, 2018

Anti-BJP leaders gather in Karnataka but how long will this ragtag alliance last?

“It is anti-Narendra Modi and anti-BJP now. It was anti-Indira Gandhi and anti-Congress in 1977.

Then it was the coming together of such diverse political entities as Jana Sangh (now the BJP), Congress (Organisation), Congress for Democracy and Bharatiya Kranti Dal, to name a few, that merged to form the Janata Party. Now, the diverse parties, many an offshoot of sorts or the original Janata Party — like Kumaraswamy’s JD(S), want to form a coalition, to retain and strengthen their regional identities, not a merger, to fight Modi. The original Janata Party lasted around two years. This one has just one year, which is long enough for today’s supposed show of “Opposition unity” to fall apart.”

Kumaraswamy says he won’t go back on pre-poll promises

Karnataka Chief Minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Janata Dal (Secular)’s decision to provide a loan waiver to farmers and several other promises remain unchanged despite its post-poll alliance with the Congress.

“All the promises made in the manifesto will be implemented… Safeguarding the interest of the farming community is our top priority. All decisions will be taken by the coalition and not just me,” Kumaraswamy told ANI .

DK Shivakumar ’not unhappy’ on not being named deputy CM, says parties stand united

DK Shivakumar rubbished reports claiming that his supporters were unhappy over him not recieving the deputy chief minister’s post in the coalition government.

He said, “No one is unhappy, we all are together. We are celebrating that our government is coming in power. I never said that I’m an aspirant of Karnataka deputy chief minister post. All is well within our parties.”

Visuals of regional leaders arriving in Bengaluru for HD Kumaraswamy’s oath-taking ceremony

Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Pawar and Akhilesh Yadav arrive in Bengaluru to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of JD(S)' HD Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister of #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/xsWa8f2QJB

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Akhilesh Yadav arrives in Bengaluru

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has arrived in Bengaluru to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s oath-taking ceremony.

WATCH: N Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee address media

We all have come here to witness the swearing-in of HD Kumaraswamy. We are all very happy about the Congress-JD(S) coalition: AP CM Chandrababu Naidu | #CMKumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/CpfWGe5fgx

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Pawar arrive in Bengaluru 

According to CNN-News18, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury and NCP chief Sharad Pawar have arrived in Bengaluru to attend JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in.

We are here to strengthen regional parties, say Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee

“We want to express our solidarity. We are all very happy about the Congress-JD(S) coalition,” said Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. 

“We congratulate Karnataka brothers and sisters. In future we’ll work together to protect and promote national interest. All regional parties are at Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in to support him,” said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Roads to avoid in Bengaluru today

Owing to traffic congestion from HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony, here is a list of roads motorists are advised to avoid in Bengaluru between 2.30-5.30 pm: 

Dr BR Ambedkar Road (from Balekundri Circle to KR Circle)

Raj Bhavan Road (from CTO Junction to Raj Bhavan Junction)

LH Road (from Raj Bhavan Jn to Chalukya Circle)

Queen’s Road (from Thimmaiah Junction to Queen’s Circle)

Seshadri Road (from KR Circle to Anandrao Circle)

Palace Road (from Mysore Bank Circle to Kalpana Circle)

Devaraj Urs Road (from Chalukya Circle to MS Building

Race Course Road (from Trilight Junction to Chalukya Circle)

Park House Road (from AGs Junction to CID Junction)

Inside Cubbon Park

Miller Road (from LRDE Junction to Chalukya Circle)

Infantry Road (from Ali Askar Road Junction. to Traffic HQ Junction)

Ali Askar Road (from Raj Bhavan Junction to Ali Askar Cross Road)

KG Road (from Police Corner to Mysore Bank Circle)

Old Post Office Road (from Mysore Bank Circle to KR Circle)

Nrupathunga Road (from KR Circle to Police Corner)

NR Road (from Hudson Circle to Town Hall)

SJP Road (from Mysore Road Flyover Down Ramp to Town Hall)

P Kalinga Rao Road (from NR Junction to Subbaiah Circle)

Kasturba Road (from Hudson Circle to Queen’s Circle)

Mallya Hospital Road (from Siddalingaiah Circle to RRMR Jucntion)

RRMR Road (from RRMR Junction to Hudson Circle)

Cubbon Road (from CTO Circle to Manipal Centre)

Central Street (from Anil Kumble Circle to BRV Junction)

T Chowdaiah Road (from Old High Grounds Junction to Cauvery Junction)

Ramana Maharshi Road (from Cauvery Junction to Mekhri Circle)

Sir CV Raman Road (from Mekhri Circle to BHEL Circle)

Jayamahal Road  

Ballari Road

Here’s quirky take on HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony to take place today

WATCH: BJP workers stage protests in Madikeri

BJP workers staged protests in Madikeri against the swearing-in ceremony of Congress and JDS coalition government. District unit BJP president Bharatish alleged that this is an “unholy coalition” as both parties were rejected by the voters in the state and he said this was against the wishes of people. He further commented the government would fall within the next six months.

Input by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

WATCH: BJP protests in Bengaluru

Senior BJP leaders including R Ashoka preside over a protest in Bengaluru against the swearing-in of the coalition government on Wednesday.

Input by Ranganathan/101Reporters

BJP observes in Black Day in Karwar

Black Day observed by BJP in Karwar on Wednesday where newly elected MLA Roopali Naik was present.

Input by Deepak Kumar Shenvi/101Reporters

Visual of black day being observed in Tumakuru

Black day being observed at Tumakuru under the leadership of BJP MLA Jyothiganesh.

Input by Chandramouli K B/101Reporters

WATCH: HD Kumaraswamy visits Suttur Mutt in Mysuru

HD Kumaraswamy visits Suttur Mutt in Mysuru to seek the blessings of Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji ahead of his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.

Input by S Shivaranjini/101Reporters

Visuals from BJP’s ‘Anti-People’s Mandate Day’ in Karnataka

Disgruntled former chief minister, BS Yeddyurappa said that greed and power was the basis of the Congress-JD(S) alliance. “Hunger, greed and power is the basis of JD(S)-Congress alliance. Such alliance will not even last three months,” ANI quoted him as saying. 

BJP observing 'Anti-People's Mandate Day' in #Karnataka in view of the swearing-in ceremony of the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition government. BS Yeddyurappa says, 'hunger, greed & power is the basis of JD(S)-Congress alliance, such alliance will not even last 3 months' pic.twitter.com/8OliMHlRaj

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

WATCH: Congress-JD(S) alliance will not last, says former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa

Congress has betrayed people's mandate in Karnataka. Congress-JD(S) alliance will not last: BJP's BS Yeddyurappa #BattleForKarnataka | #CMKumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/8ZlKPDkX2U

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

WATCH: BJP protests against government formation by HD Kumaraswamy in Yadgir 

BJP activists led by MLA Venkatareddy Mudnal took out a procession against JDS and Congress unholy coalition in Yadgir. The protesters formed a human chain at Subhash chowk and shouted slogans against the formation of government by HD Kumarswamy.

Input by Ravi Kumar Naraboli/101Reporters

Challenges ahead of HD Kumaraswamy

The first task for HD Kumaraswamy would be a smooth expansion of his Council of Ministers, as the Congress would want to have a big share in the ministerial pie as it has more than double the number of MLAs JD(S) has. The Congress has 78 lawmakers in the Lower House against 37 of the JD(S).

A section of Lingayat MLAs of the Congress wanted a person from their community to be the deputy chief minister as Kumaraswamy belongs to another politically influential caste Vokkaliga.

Visuals from the Vidhan Soudha ahead of HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony at 4.30 pm

Visual of Shobha Karandlaje during ‘anti-people’s mandate’ protest

BJP state general secretary Shobha Karandlaje during ‘anti-people’s mandate’ protest being observed by the saffron party in Bengaluru.

Image courtesy: News18

Received invitation for swearing-in ceremony but can’t go due to Palghar Lok Sabha bypolls: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena had received invitation too (for HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in ceremony), HD Deve Gowda ji invited Uddhav ji hoping someone from us would come but all of us are busy for Palghar Lok Sabha By-Election. So we can't go but our best wishes are with him: Sanjay Raut,Shiv Sena pic.twitter.com/CY7EcRwAsk

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Before politics, HD Kumaraswamy’s brief stint in films

Before taking a plunge into politics, the JD(S) chief minister designate’s first love was the film industry, according to  The Hindu . Kumaraswamy produced and distributed films under the Channambika Films banner, where the latest production has his own son Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje calls HD Kumaraswamy a ’liar’

Rahul Gandhi scripting beginning of government with no mandate from people, says BJP leader P Muralidhar Rao

Hitting out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said: “Sh. Rahul has scripted the beginning of a government which has no mandate from the people. It is a backdoor entry of the Congress to run the show in Karnataka. People of Karnataka will ultimately reject this kind of manipulated alignment completely,” in a tweet.

He also suggested that the government under HD Kumaraswamy will be subjected to all sorts of “blackmail politics”. “Proposed government under Sh. H.D. Kumaraswamy will be subjected to all kinds of blackmail politics. Instead of popular government, now we’ll be having a government driven and controlled by rejected mafias,” he said. 

Sh. Rahul has scripted the beginning of a government which has no mandate from the people. It is a backdoor entry of the Congress to run the show in Karnataka. People of Karnataka will ultimately reject this kind of manipulated alignment completely.

— P Muralidhar Rao (@PMuralidharRao) May 23, 2018

Proposed government under Sh. H.D. Kumaraswamy will be subjected to all kinds of blackmail politics. Instead of popular government, now we’ll be having a government driven and controlled by rejected mafias.

— P Muralidhar Rao (@PMuralidharRao) May 23, 2018

Time for preparing ourselves to uphold the democratic values, institutions & the fight to keep the development agenda on the main track.

— P Muralidhar Rao (@PMuralidharRao) May 23, 2018

No change in my position on farm loan waiver, says Kumaraswamy

Announcing that the floor test will take place on Friday, instead of Thursday, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said there has been no change in his position on the farm loan waiver. “Some media channels have shown that I have taken a U-turn in farm loan policies. However, there is no change in my position in giving farm loan waiver. All decisions will be taken by the coalition and not just me. All the promises made in the manifesto will be implemented. Safeguarding the interest of the farming community is our top priority,” he said while speaking to reporters.

Kumaraswamy addresses media after visiting Chamundeshwari Temple

I am not a leader of one caste or religion, I will be serving all the people of all castes and religion in Karnataka. Today, if I am taking oath as the CM, it is because of the blessings of all the people of Karnataka: CM-designate HD Kumaraswamy | #CMKumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/e8vgoT2GPs

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

No change in my politics because of alliance with Congress: Kumaraswamy

Talking about joining hands with the Congress party, Kumaraswamy said being forced into an alliance will not change his politics. " I want to assure people that there is no change in my position or politics. But we must remember that it’s a coalition government and not me alone. Whatever decisions I take will be taken in consultation with the alliance partners," he said.

I’m leader to all 6 crore people of Karnataka, not one community: HD Kumaraswamy

HD Kumaraswamy, chief minister designate, says he is “not the leader of one caste or community but will represent all of Karnataka”. “If I have become chief minister today, it’s because of all of you. It’s not because of one community alone. I will bring in all the programmes we have promised,” he said.

Karnataka Assembly floor test to take place on Friday

#JustIn -- Karnataka #FloorTest to be conducted on Friday. #CMKumaraswamy | #BattleForKarnataka pic.twitter.com/IlYilNfLi4

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

Karnataka only the trailer, full movie will release in 2019: TDP

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and TDP leader Nara Lokesh has said the BJP’s defeat in the Karnataka Assembly election was “just a trailer”, and that the “real cinema would be shown in the 2019 general election, as reported by The Tribune . Later, Chief Minister NChandrababu Naidu said the BJP will soon take the position of the Congress in the country, referring to the diminishing political presence of the grand-old party in the nation.

G Parameshwara, deputy chief minister in waiting, thanks Congress high command

It's the high command which decides all these, they chose me. I thank them immensely but the point is they're also eligible but they gave me this opportunity: G Parameshwara,Dy CM designate on being asked that Roshan Baig & DK Shivakumar were also in the race for Dy CM #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Rodkld3IfG

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Karnataka BJP general secretary Shobha Karandlaje terms JD(S)-Congress govt a ‘mockery of democracy’

MK Stalin won’t attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony

“I am not going to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony tomorrow. I cancelled it due to the incident which took place in Tuticorin,” said DMK working president MK Stalin.

High command decides all this, says deputy CM-designate G Parameshwara on other Congress leaders in the race for the post

It's the high command which decides all these, they chose me. I thank them immensely but the point is they're also eligible but they gave me this opportunity: G Parameshwara,Dy CM designate on being asked that Roshan Baig & DK Shivakumar were also in the race for Dy CM #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Rodkld3IfG

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

2,500 police personnel deployed around Vidhan Soudha

Around 2,500 policemen have been deployed in the areas surrounding the Vidhan Soudha, where HD Kumaraswamy will be taking his oath as the chief minister on Wednesday, reported  Deccan Herald . Quoting Bengaluru Police commissioner T Suneel Kumar, the report said eight deputy commissioners, 20 assistant commissioners, 100 inspectors, 35 platoons of Karnataka Reserve Police, 50 platoons of City Armed Reserve and 10 platoons of Central Armed Police Forces, a dog squad and other police personned have been deployed. Movement of drones around the Vidhan Soudha has also been restricted. 

Additional Commissioner of Police (West) BK Singh is the security in-charge, according to News18.

Visuals of celebration outside HD Kumaraswamy’s house in Bengaluru

#HDKumaraswamy to take oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka today. Earlier visuals of celebrations from outside his residence in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/A4juoyadbw

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah congratulates HD Kumaraswamy, G Parameshwara

ರಾಜ್ಯದ ನೂತನ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ವಚನ ಸ್ವೀಕಾರ ಮಾಡಲಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀ ಎಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಉಪ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ವಚನ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಲಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀ ಡಾ.ಜಿ.ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹಾರ್ದಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು. pic.twitter.com/0uAtv2e2gT

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 23, 2018

Kamal Haasan to visit Tuticorin and attend Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony

 
Earlier reports claimed that actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan had cancelled his Bengaluru trip in light of the Tuticorin tragedy where nine anti-Sterlite protesters were killed in police shooting, reported News18. Sources close to Haasan later clarified that he would visit Tuticorin as well as attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony, without calling off plans for either of them.

Makkal Needhi Maiam Chief Kamal Haasan to visit #Thoothukudi first, where 11 people were killed y'day in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. He will then come to Bengaluru in second half. K'taka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy will take oath in Bengaluru today. pic.twitter.com/gKnZBNYNlo

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Rahul Gandhi is right, democracy is in danger; from BJP’s political rivals who are willing to subvert all rules

We frequently come across phrases such as “democracy in danger”, “secularism at stake”, “Constitution and institutions are under attack” in political discourse. These are by no means new coinages but their usage has increased manifold in recent times, coinciding with BJP’s increase and Congress’ decrease of national footprint. For the uninitiated, it would seem India is under siege and its future as a democracy is under threat from the Narendra Modi government. How justified is this narrative?

Inevitably, the BJP is running into frequent pushbacks that are part of the inbuilt check-and-balance system of democracy such as heightened restiveness among its allies and a sharp increase in Opposition unity index. While these ‘fail-safes’ are necessary and prevent democracy from falling into the majoritarian trap, what we are witnessing in India right now is a danger of another kind. Political forces inimical to the BJP are increasingly weaponising these ‘fail-safe’ mechanisms to achieve political aims, thereby subverting and degrading the tools. Such degradation, in the long run, is deleterious to the health of democracy.

Massive traffic congestion expected on all roads leading to Vidhan Soudha

Traffic congestion is expected on all roads near the Vidhan Soudha on Wednesday between 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm. Traffic jams can be expected at Cubbon Park, Kanakapura Road and Mysore Road as supporters from different parts of Karnataka are expected to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony. VIP movement will hamper traffic movement on Bellary Road and Kempegowda International Airport Road as Rahul, Sonia Gandhi and other political leaders will be arriving in the city to attend the ceremony. 

pic.twitter.com/FFiJgiW1HP

— HALASOOR TRAFFIC BTP (@halasoortrfps) May 23, 2018

Kamal Haasan to skip HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony over anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi

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Makkal Needhi Maiam party chief Kamal Haasan has cancelled his trip to Bengaluru to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony over the anti-Sterlite protests. Instead, he will be going to visit Thoothukudi after nine people were killed in police firing after protests for the closure of Vedanta group’s Sterlite Copper plant over pollution concerns turned violent.

Follow LIVE updates on the Tuticorin tragedy here.

Nearly one lakh people expected to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony

According to News18, arrangements have been made for placing one lakh chairs in front of the Vidhan Soudha. The road between legislative assembly building and the Karnataka High Court will be cordoned off and chairs will be placed there. There is also a separate enclosure with 3,000 seats for VIPs.

HD Kumaraswamy believes things will go smoothly in Congress-JD(S) coalition government

Kumaraswamy, who was in Sringeri on Tuesday, the place where Adi Shankaracharya, exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, established his first matha, said he believed that things would go smoothly in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government with the grace of Goddess Shardambe and the Jagadguru.

“People also have doubts, not only me, people in the state also have doubt whether this government will function smoothly. But I have belief that with the grace of Sharadambe and Sringeri jagadguru (Shankaracharya) everything will go smoothly,” he told reporters. – PTI

Can’t attend swearing-in ceremony due to Palghar bypolls, says Uddhav Thackeray

Congratulating the JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda, Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray expressed his apologies for not being able to attend the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy. Thackeray said cited his party being busy with the upcoming Palghar bypolls in Maharashtra as the reason for his absence. 

Earlier, the Shiv Sena president had slammed the Karnataka governor’s decision to invite BS Yeddyurappa to form the government and said it was “a murder of democracy”.  “The party with the biggest strength should be asked to form the government but what happened in Karnataka is a murder of democracy,” he had said. 

Uddhav Thackeray congratulated Deve Gowda but conveyed his apologies for not being able to attend the swearing-in ceremony of @hd_kumaraswamy as his party is busy in Palghar by-polls #CMKumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/yAzskKYaOR

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

Sitaram Yechury, Tejashwi Yadav, Farooq Abdullah likely to attend swearing-in ceremony

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, one of the most vocal votaries of an anti-BJP alliance, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah are also expected to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s oath-taking ceremony.

Huge stage erected in front of Vidhan Soudha

A huge stage has been erected in front of the majestic Vidhan Soudha for the oath-taking ceremony, reported News18, where a host of national and regional leaders are expected to be present to send a message across to the BJP over the shape of things to come in 2019.

HD Deve Gowda invites Uddhav Thackeray for Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony
 
According to CNN-News18, JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda has invited BJP ally Shiv Sena’s chief Uddhav Thackeray for HD Kumaraswamy’s oath-taking ceremony in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

#CMKumaraswamy - HD Deve Gowda calls Uddhav Thackeray, invites him for the swearing-in of @hd_kumaraswamy as the CM of Karnataka. pic.twitter.com/D7Jaejo4Co

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 23, 2018

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik to miss swearing-in ceremony

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik is one of the few regional leaders set to skip HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony in Bengaluru on Wednesday. According to an  News18 opinion piece , Patnaik is said to be missing the ceremony to avoid being seen on the wrong side of the Narendra Modi government. In the past, the BJD has supported the Centre on issues like demonestisation and GST and helped it pass some crucial legislation.

Ahead of HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony, BJP to mark ‘Anti-People’s Mandate Day’ across state

Unfazed by the fall of its three-day government last week in Karnataka, a defiant BJP’s state unit will protest across the state on Wednesday against the formation of the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition government, a party official said on Tuesday.

“As the Congress-JD(S) alliance hijacked the people’s mandate and formed an unholy alliance to form a coalition government on Wednesday, we are observing the occasion as the ‘ Anti-People’s Mandate Day ’ across the state,” said BJP’s spokesman S Shantaram in a statement in Bengaluru.

G Parameshwara considered for CM’s post in 2013

In 2013, Parameshwara was defeated in Koratagere. At that time, he was one of the top contenders for the chief ministerial post but because of his defeat, Siddaramaiah was chosen as the Karnataka chief minister.

G Parameshwara served as sericulture minister in 1993-94

Congress leader G Parameshwara has served as the minister for sericulture (1993-94) and minister for higher education (1999-2004).

G Parameshwara to be Karnataka’s first Dalit deputy CM: Five-time Congress MLA is longest serving KPCC chief

Karnataka is set to get its first Dalit deputy chief minister in Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief G Parameshwara. He won election from Koratagere constituency in Tumakuru district by defeating JD(S) candidate Sudhakar Lal making it his fifth victory in state elections.

According to Karnataka Congress’ official website, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had seen potential in Parameshwara when he had visited Tumkur. Parameshwara was first appointed as KPCC joint secretary. Parameshwara has been the KPCC president for eight years now. He was appointed as KPCC president on 27 October, 2010.

He has been elected to the Karnataka Assembly four times. He has represented Madhugiri in 1989, 1999 and 2004, and Koratagere in 2008.

Visuals of celebration from outside HD Kumaraswamy’s residence in Bengaluru

#HDKumaraswamy to take oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka today. Visuals of celebrations from outside his residence in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/tz2rrenFEX

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

No Congress, JD(S) MLAs to take oath today

#CMKumaraswamy -- Only me & Dy CM will take oath tomorrow, no JD(S) or Cong MLAs will take the oath. Ministers oath taking only after proving majority in the Assembly: Karnataka CM-elect Kumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/YLP8cJvGcj

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 22, 2018

List of Karnataka Cabinet portfolios

Here’s the likely list of Karnataka Cabinet portfolios :

JD(S): Kumaraswamy, chief minister and finance minister; CS Puttaraju, agriculture; H Vishwanath, education; N Mahesh, social welfare; GT Deve Gowda, cooperatives; Bandeppa Kashempur, textiles and endowments; DC Thammanna, labour; RV Deshpande, law and parliamentary affairs; AT Ramaswamy, industries.

Congress: G Parameshwara, deputy chief minister and home minister; KJ George, Bengaluru development minister; M Krishnappa, sport; Krishna Byre Gowda, information and publicity; Dinesh Gundu Rao, excise; Dr K Sudhakar, health; Tanveer Sait, higher education; Roshan Baig, forest; MD Patil, food and civil supplies; Satish Jarkiholi, small industries and sugar; Dr Ajay, science and technology; S Shivashankarappa, revenue; Ramalinga Reddy, transport; R Narendra, animal husbandry; UT Khader, health.

Visuals of preparations underway for oath-taking ceremony from Tuesday night

Bengaluru: Preparation underway at Raj Bhavan for oath ceremony of Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy scheduled to be held tomorrow pic.twitter.com/YYsVlV7Xl1

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Running coalition govt a “big challenge”, says HD Kumaraswamy

​

Karnataka chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy acknowledged on Tuesday that running the Congress-JD(S) coalition government over the next five years will be a “big challenge” for him.

“This is a big challenge in my life. I’m not expecting that I will be able to fulfil my responsibilities as chief minister easily,” Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as chief minister on Wednesday, said. –PTI

Congress leader KR Ramesh to be Speaker; deputy Speaker to be from JD(S)

KR Ramesh Kumar , who will be sworn in as speaker of Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha,  won from Srinivaspur constituency in Kolar district and was the health minister in the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. The JD(S) is yet to name a candidate for the deputy Speaker’s post.

JD(S)’ HD Kumaraswamy to be second CM of Karnataka in a week

Kumaraswamy will be the second chief minister to take oath in Karnataka within a week, after BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa stepped down without facing the floor test on 19 May in the face of imminent defeat.

Governor Vajubhai Vala invited Kumaraswamy on Saturday to form the coalition government after the fall of the three-day BJP government as its chief minister BS Yeddyurappa resigned before the trust vote as his party fell seven short of the 111-halfway mark majority in a hung house of 222 members currently.

Kumaraswamy to take oath at 4.30 pm

According to  ANI , the swearing-in ceremony will take place on the steps of Vidhan Soudha, Karnataka’s Legislative Assembly, at 4.30 pm on Wednesday.

K Chandrasekhar Rao to skip HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in

Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said on Tuesday he would not be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Janata Dal (Secular) leader and Karnataka chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy. “Due to prior engagements, I will not be attending the swearing-in ceremony. I extend my good wishes and congratulations to the JD-S leaders”, Rao told reporters in Bengaluru.

Cabinet berths to be decided after floor test

The 34-member Karnataka Cabinet will have 22 ministers from the Congress and 12 from JD(S), Congress leader KC Venugopal said on Tuesday, adding they would be sworn in after the floor test slated for Thursday. The JD(S)-Congress coalition government has 117 members, including one from regional party Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janata Paksha (KPJP) and an Independent.

Leaders of non-BJP states to attend swearing-in ceremony; Sonia, Rahul Gandhi to attend as well

Several national leaders including United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Chief ministers of non-BJP states and heads of regional parties such as N Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala), Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Kollywood superstar Kamal Haasan of Makkal Needhi Maiam party in Tamil Nadu will also be in attendance.

G Parameshwara to be sworn-in as deputy chief minister

The Congress’ Karnataka president G Parameshwara would be the deputy chief minister in the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S)-Congress coalition government, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said on Tuesday.

“Party President Rahul Gandhi has approved the name of Parameshwara for the Deputy Chief Minister post in the coalition government,” Venugopal told reporters in Bengaluru.

HD Kumaraswamy to be sworn-in as chief minister today

After a dramatic political battle over the last ten days, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy is set to lead the JD(S)-Congress coalition government in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy will be sworn in on Wednesday in Karnataka at a ceremony attended by a galaxy of opposition leaders and chief ministers, a development that could plant a seed for a broad-based anti-BJP platform before the Lok Sabha polls next year.