Karnataka's D K Shivakumar Set to Take Over as Chief Minister Amid Tight Security Arrangements

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bengaluru for the swearing-in ceremony of Congress veteran D K Shivakumar, who is set to take over as Karnataka chief minister. The city police have prepared a security cordon for the ceremony to be held at Lok Bhavan at 4.05 pm on Wednesday, keeping in mind the movement of top political leaders, VIPs and thousands of supporters. With this swearing-in, the long-awaited change of guard within the Karnataka government will be complete and Shivakumar will be sworn in as the state's 25th chief minister. Around 8 to 10 ministers are also likely to be sworn in along with him in the first phase, while the rest of the cabinet may be expanded after the Rajya Sabha elections on June 18. The main entrance of Lok Bhavan has been made a high-security point from where only VVIPs, VIPs and invited guests will be allowed entry. Only the chief minister, the new ministers, the governor and select dignitaries will be present on the main stage. Also, around 1,000 people will be able to watch the swearing-in ceremony from LED screens in the Lawn House.