Shivakumar invites Siddaramaiah, Yediyurappa, Deve Gowda for swearing-in event

Bengaluru

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief D K Shivakumar on Wednesday met outgoing CM Siddaramaiah, veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and invited them to his swearing-in ceremony, where he would take oath as the chief minister. Shivakumar visited Siddaramaiah at his 'Cauvery' residence here and expressed his gratitude ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan's Glass House at 4.05 PM. Later, the CM-designate visited Yediyurappa at his residence here and invited him for the ceremony.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Yediyurappa, Shivakumar said, "they have guided the state, they have worked for the state and they have contributed for the state. All of us have to work together." Shivakumar visited JD(S) patriarch Deve Gowda as well and invited him for the swearing-in ceremony and took his blessings. Shivakumar told reporters outside Gowda's residence: "Deve Gowda and Yediyurappa have served our state immensely. Other Chief Ministers have also served the state; I will meet them as well.

They have always protected the state's dignity and pride, and no one can forget it. I will always seek the guidance of the elders in the state's interest." The government represents continuity, he said adding,"setting aside party politics, we should all work together with humanity in the interest of the state." Stating that Gowda's vast experience was a great strength, Shivakumar said the former prime minister had given him good guidance. "He appreciated my patience. He has faith that I will do good for the state. I will take his guidance in the future too," Shivakumar added.