Kumaraswamy takes over as Karnataka CM

The son of former PM Deve Gowda is heading a JD (S)-BJP coalition govt.

A two-member BJP-JDS coalition government headed by JDS rebel leader HDKumaraswamy assumed office in Karnataka on Friday.

HT Image

In a swearing-in ceremony, which was boycotted by his father and JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda, 46-year-old Kumaraswamy took the oath as Karnataka's Chief Minister. BJP's BS Yediyurapppa also took the oath as the Deputy Chief Minister at the portals of the Vidhan Soudha.

Watched by thousands of enthusiastic BJP and JDS workers who shouted slogans hailing the new government, Governor TN Chaturvedi administered the oath of office and secrecy at a brief ceremony, amidst tight security.

BJP and JDS flags carried by party workers fluttered in what appeared to be a festive atmosphere in the vicinity of the seat of power.

Outgoing Chief Minister N Dharam Singh and BJP leaders including its President Rajnath Singh and HN Ananth Kumar attended the function.

The moment held a special significance for the BJP, as this is the first time that it has assumed power in the South, albeit with a coalition partner, foraying into administration in Karnataka, a State it had always looked up to as the "gateway to the South."