Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 3 (ANI): Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi called Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar on Wednesday and wished him all the best, saying that she has 'unwavering confidence that he will lead Karnataka successfully.'

'Take everyone together. I have unwavering confidence that you will lead Karnataka successfully. Handle the new responsibility competently. May you be successful in the future,' Sonia Gandhi said.

Furthermore, caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed that G Parameshwara would take oath as Deputy CM. 'Today evening, @DKShivakumar, who is set to take the oath as the state's new Chief Minister, and @DrParameshwara, who is set to take the oath as Deputy Chief Minister, met with me and expressed their gratitude. At this time, I congratulated both leaders and extended my best wishes,' the post read.

https://x.com/siddaramaiah/status/2062066697100738607

Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara met Shivakumar at his residence earlier in the day.

Several other senior leaders, including Satish Jarkiholi, Ramalinga Reddy, MB Patil, Priyank Kharge and Yathindra Siddaramaiah, are also expected to take oath as ministers in the new government.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar greeted supporters gathered outside his Bengaluru residence, where celebrations and prayers were held ahead of the ceremony marking his elevation to the state's top post.

Top Congress leadership is expected to attend the event, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party general secretary KC Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala. Several Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states are also likely to be present.

Former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde also arrived in Bengaluru for the ceremony and expressed confidence in the leadership transition, saying, 'Always the correct decisions are taken in our party. Though sometimes it takes time to make decisions. I am confident that both will work together to take the party forward.'

The swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan later today at 4:00 pm. (ANI)