Heavy security, dedicated traffic corridor: Bengaluru fortified for DKS oath-taking
The 64-year-old Congress veteran will take oath as Karnataka's 25th Chief Minister at 4.05 pm on June 3, marking the culmination of a long-awaited leadership transition within the Congress government.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Bengaluru ahead of Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar’s swearing-in ceremony at Lokabhavan on Wednesday, with city police preparing for the movement of top political leaders, dignitaries and thousands of supporters expected to gather for the event.
Shivakumar, the 64-year-old Congress veteran, will take oath as Karnataka’s 25th Chief Minister at 4.05 pm on June 3, marking the culmination of a long-awaited leadership transition within the Congress government.
Around eight to 10 ministers are also expected to be sworn in during the first phase of Cabinet formation, while the remaining ministers are likely to be inducted after the Rajya Sabha elections on June 18.
HEAVY SECURITY COVER
To ensure foolproof security, Bengaluru Police have divided the arrangements into two zones.
Zone 1 covers the Lokabhavan premises and has been split into five sectors, while Zone 2 covers surrounding areas and VIP movement routes through eight sectors.
The main entrance of Lokabhavan has been designated a high-security point for the entry of VVIPs, VIPs and invited guests.
A dedicated stage has been prepared for the oath-taking ceremony, with access restricted to the Chief Minister-designate, ministers, Governors and select dignitaries.
Separate enclosures have been created for VVIPs, VIPs, special invitees and media personnel.
Around 1,000 members of the public will be accommodated at Lawn-B, where large LED screens will broadcast the ceremony live.
Following the swearing-in, a high-tea event for the Chief Minister, members of the Council of Ministers and invited dignitaries will be held at the Lokabhavan Banquet Hall.
Security personnel have also been deployed at food distribution points and exit gates within the venue.
SHIVAKUMAR TO HOLD ROADSHOW
One of the key events planned after the ceremony is Shivakumar’s proposed open-jeep procession from Lokabhavan to Vidhana Soudha.
The entire stretch from Lokabhavan to Police Timmayya Circle and Vidhana Soudha has been placed under special security cover.
Police have been instructed to ensure zero traffic movement along the route during the procession and prevent unauthorised persons from approaching the Chief Minister’s convoy.
Multiple screening points and barricades have been established around Lokabhavan, Ambedkar Veedhi and Vidhana Soudha.
Anti-protest units, anti-stampede teams and reserve squads have also been deployed to respond to any emergency situation.
Senior officers, including DCPs, ACPs, CID and Crime Branch officials, will oversee security operations throughout the day.
CEREMONY TO BE LOW KEY?
Despite the extensive preparations, Shivakumar has said the swearing-in will be a low-key affair to minimise inconvenience to Bengaluru residents.
More than 17,000 vehicles had reportedly been booked by Congress workers and supporters from across the state to travel to the capital for the event, prompting concerns over traffic congestion.
The oath ceremony follows significant political developments in Karnataka over the past week.
END OF SIDDU ERA
Siddaramaiah resigned as Chief Minister on May 28 after months of speculation surrounding a leadership transition.
The move came after consultations with the Congress high command, which sought to implement a change in leadership midway through the government’s term.
On Saturday, the Congress Legislature Party unanimously elected Shivakumar as its leader at a meeting in Bengaluru.
Siddaramaiah himself proposed Shivakumar’s name, with senior leader G Parameshwara seconding the motion.
Following his election, Shivakumar met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and formally staked claim to form the government.
The new Cabinet’s composition is still being finalised, with Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah holding consultations with Congress leaders in New Delhi.
The incoming administration is expected to include a mix of experienced ministers and fresh faces as the party seeks to balance regional, caste and factional considerations while preparing for the remainder of its term.