K'taka Govt announces half-day office closure near Vidhana Soudha ahead of swearing-in ceremony for Shivakumar
Bengaluru, June 2
The Karnataka government declared a half-day holiday on June 3 for State government officers and staff working at the Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha, and the Multi-Storeyed Building on June 3 in view of the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), the oath-taking ceremony will be held at 4:05 PM on June 3 at the Karnataka Legislature premises. A large gathering of dignitaries, elected representatives, party leaders, and members of the public is expected to attend the event.
The government stated that the decision was taken to facilitate security arrangements, traffic management, and the smooth conduct of the ceremony. Authorities anticipate heavy vehicular movement and crowd congestion in and around the Vidhana Soudha precincts.
Consequently, government offices located in the vicinity of the Legislature and Vidhana Soudha will remain closed on the afternoon on June 3.
The order was issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms in the name of the Governor of Karnataka.
Meanwhile, today Shivakumar arrived at the residence of Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital for discussions on cabinet formation and key organisational appointments ahead of his swearing-in ceremony.
The meeting assumes significance as the Congress high command moves closer to finalising the composition of the new Karnataka cabinet, including ministerial berths, the Deputy Chief Minister's post and organisational restructuring within the state unit.
Earlier in the day, Senior Congress leaders from Karnataka gathered in New Delhi for a series of consultations with the party leadership. Karnataka caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and several other senior leaders were also part of the deliberations at Kharge's residence.
The swearing-in ceremony of Shivakumar as Chief Minister is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on June 3 at 4 pm.
Earlier, Siddaramaiah met party leaders in Delhi, while Karnataka Congress MLA Priyank Kharge also met Mallikarjun Kharge amid speculation regarding his role in the new cabinet.
Further details on the final cabinet structure are expected following the conclusion of the high-level discussions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good governance news! DK Shivakumar deserves this - he worked hard for Congress in Karnataka. Hope the new cabinet focuses on Bengaluru infrastructure and water problems. Namma Bengaluru needs real development! 💪
It's funny how they justify this as "security arrangements" - but the real reason is VIP culture. Why can't these events happen after office hours? Taxpayers are paying for these holidays while politicians enjoy their ceremony. Just saying what many are thinking. 😐
Good decision! Traffic in Bengaluru is already a nightmare - with VVIP movement it would be worse. At least government staff can leave early and avoid the chaos. Hope the new CM focuses on improving Bengaluru roads and public transport. All the best Shivakumar ji! 🙏
As a Bangalorean, I'm concerned about this pattern. First it was Siddaramaiah's swearing-in, now Shivakumar's. These half-day closures add up. The government should compensate with Saturday working days or something. Political events shouldn't disrupt public services this frequently.
Interesting to see Priyank Kharge meeting his father Mallikarjun Kharge - dynastic politics at display. Anyway, hope the new cabinet has young faces and not just old guards. Karnataka needs fresh energy for development! 🌟
L