Bengaluru has been placed under extensive security arrangements ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of D. K. Shivakumar, who will take oath as Karnataka's Chief Minister along with his Council of Ministers on Wednesday at Lok Bhavan.
More than 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in and around the venue to ensure security and prevent any untoward incidents. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh will personally monitor the arrangements, assisted by three Joint Commissioners of Police and 20 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs).
Authorities have imposed strict access controls for the event. Only VIPs and VVIPs carrying valid vehicle passes will be allowed to drive directly to Lok Bhavan. Dignitaries arriving without passes will have to stop near Thimmaiah Circle, from where specially arranged six-seater electric golf carts will transport them to the venue. Police have also undertaken verification of all pass holders and advised guests to be seated at least an hour before the ceremony begins.
Meanwhile, celebrations by Congress workers and Shivakumar supporters have transformed several parts of Bengaluru. Massive banners, flex boards and cut-outs congratulating the Chief Minister-designate have been erected across the city.
In Sumanahalli, under the Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency, party workers installed a towering 100-foot cut-out of Shivakumar to mark the occasion. Welcome banners have also been placed along the route from Kempegowda International Airport to the city centre to greet Congress leaders and dignitaries arriving from across the country for the ceremony.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Congress Kisan Cell Karnataka brought a garland made of ₹20 currency notes as a gift for the incoming Chief Minister. In another display of support, a follower from Yadgir arrived in Bengaluru with a tattoo of Shivakumar on his arm.
The supporter, identified as Ramesh, said he got the tattoo three months ago in anticipation of Shivakumar becoming Chief Minister. "I hoped he would be the next CM. That dream is coming true today," he said, adding that Shivakumar had advised him that affection should remain in the heart rather than be displayed through tattoos.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to draw senior Congress leaders, political dignitaries and thousands of supporters, making it one of the largest political events in Karnataka in recent years.
