The oath-taking ceremony saw varied approaches to the oath format among the ministers. While Shivakumar and Yathindra Siddaramaiah swore in the name of the Constitution, others selected different figures. Former Energy Minister K.J. George and former Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre took the oath in the name of God. K.H. Muniyappa, former Food and Supplies Minister, also swore in the name of God. M.B. Patil, former Large and Medium Industries Minister, chose Vishwaguru Basavanna, other Sharanas, and Siddheshwar Swamiji. Following instructions from the Governor to adhere strictly to the provided text, ministers Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, and Priyank Kharge took their oaths "sincerely." U.T. Khader, the former Speaker who resigned from his assembly post to join the cabinet, swore in the name of God and Lingayat seer Lingaikya Channabasava Pattadevaru. The ceremony concluded with former Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh and former Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil swearing in the name of God.

Before the ceremony, Shivakumar met with various religious leaders, including pontiffs from the Pejawar and Adichunchanagiri mutts, at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan. He later took his oath, becoming the state's chief executive. Prior to the event, Shivakumar received a phone call from Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who expressed her trust in him and urged him to take everyone along. Shivakumar assured her of his commitment to unity. He also publicly thanked the Gandhi family, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, for their support during his political journey.

Public engagement with the event was widespread across the state. The Department of Information and Public Relations live-streamed the ceremony on digital display boards at 230 government bus stands to ensure visibility for remote citizens. Traffic congestion was reported on Kasturba Road in Bengaluru as police restricted access around Vidhana Soudha and Lok Bhavan. In Kanakapura, Shivakumar’s home constituency, celebrations were evident with numerous flexes, banners, and floating helium balloons. Approximately 400 supporters from Doddalahalli, Kodihalli, and surrounding villages traveled to Bengaluru, utilizing arranged buses and metro passes to witness the oath-taking.

Bengaluru Preparations Shape Up for State Transition

The swearing-in of D.K. Shivakumar marks a definitive end to the speculation surrounding cabinet formation and sets the stage for a governance style that critics and observers, such as journalist Rasheed Kidwai, predict will be flamboyant and effective. The heavy influence of Siddaramaiah’s loyalists suggests a continuation of established administrative patterns, though the appointment of G. Parameshwara as Deputy CM introduces a power-sharing dynamic that may test internal party cohesion. As the new government begins its term, the challenge will be to balance the demands of diverse stakeholders with the unified leadership promised to Sonia Gandhi. The absence of female legislators and the omission of several senior MLTs indicate potential areas of future political negotiation and consolidation within the party. The widespread public display of support in constituencies like Kanakapura underscores the strong local leadership ties that will likely define the initial phase of this administration.