Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar will be sworn in on June 3 at 4:10 p.m., a date and time influenced by a combination of political considerations, leadership consultations and what sources describe as an auspicious shubh muhurat.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday, Shivakumar confirmed that the oath-taking ceremony would be held on June 3. The announcement came as the Congress Legislature Party convened to formally elect him as its leader following the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier this week.

According to sources, the swearing-in ceremony is expected to be a relatively simple affair, with preparations underway for the formation of the new Cabinet.

The June 3 schedule has attracted attention amid intense speculation over the timing of the leadership transition. Sources said Shivakumar, known for his religious beliefs, consulted astrologer Bellur Dwarakanath before finalising the date. The time of 4:10 p.m. on June 3 was reportedly identified as an auspicious shubh muhurat for assuming office.

Another key factor was the expected availability of Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is likely to attend the ceremony.

Sources indicated that two Deputy Chief Ministers could be sworn in alongside Shivakumar. One is expected to represent the Dalit community, while another may come from the minority community, reflecting the Congress leadership’s effort to ensure broader social representation in the new government.

The party is also expected to strike a balance among major caste groups, communities and internal factions as it reshapes the administration following Siddaramaiah’s exit. Sources suggested that Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of the outgoing Chief Minister, could be entrusted with an important role in the new dispensation.

The leadership transition follows months of political uncertainty and power-sharing discussions between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. The Congress high command eventually decided in favour of Shivakumar, paving the way for the change in leadership.

Rahul Gandhi is understood to have played a key role in shaping the contours of the new government. Sources said he has emphasised stronger representation for Dalits, OBCs and minorities in the Cabinet, in line with the Congress party’s social justice agenda.

The leadership is also keen on inducting younger faces into the ministry, a move seen as part of a broader effort to project generational change and strengthen the party’s appeal ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.