DK Shivakumar Says Congress Bhavan Foundation Stone Ceremony Likely After June 3 Oath-Taking Event
Bengaluru, May 31: Karnataka Chief Minister-designate and Congress Legislature Party leader D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said the foundation stone laying ceremony for the proposed Congress Bhavan near Race Course Road is likely to be held after the swearing-in ceremony scheduled on June 3.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the proposed site for the Congress Bhavan, Shivakumar said the final schedule for the event is yet to be confirmed by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
“We are planning to conduct the bhoomi puja for the Congress Bhavan after the swearing-in ceremony on June 3. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are yet to finalise their schedule,” Shivakumar said.
He stated that invitations for the foundation stone laying ceremony would be extended to all Congress block presidents, district presidents, MLAs, former MLAs, presidents of party frontal organisations, Members of Parliament and chairpersons of various boards and corporations.
Clarifying that the event would be restricted due to space constraints, Shivakumar said only invited guests would be allowed to attend.
“There is limited space at the venue. Therefore, only invited leaders and office-bearers will be accommodated. We request our party workers to excuse us, as it will not be possible to allow public participation,” he said.
The Congress leader further informed that Rahul Gandhi is yet to be formally invited for the event. Preparations for the foundation stone ceremony are being coordinated under the leadership of senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy.
Shivakumar also said arrangements are being made for party workers and leaders to watch the June 3 swearing-in ceremony through LED screens.
“As it is not possible to invite every leader and office-bearer of the party to the swearing-in ceremony, arrangements have been made for them to watch the event on LED screens. Those who have worked and struggled for the party deserve at least this opportunity,” he said.
When asked about plans to lay foundation stones for 100 Congress offices across the state, Shivakumar said the initiative would be taken up in the coming days.
Oath-Taking Ceremony to Be Held at Lok Bhavan
Explaining the decision to shift the swearing-in ceremony from the traditional Vidhana Soudha steps, Shivakumar said the event would instead be held at Lok Bhavan to avoid inconvenience to Bengaluru residents.
“We do not want citizens to face traffic disruptions due to the arrival of large numbers of vehicles from different parts of the state. Keeping public convenience in mind, the swearing-in ceremony will be held at Lok Bhavan instead of the Vidhana Soudha steps,” he said.
He added that the ceremony would be conducted in a simple manner and the venue would not be able to accommodate a large gathering.
Decision on Ministers to Be Taken by High Command
Responding to a question on whether ministers would take oath along with him on June 3, Shivakumar declined to comment and said the matter would be decided by the Congress high command.
“I do not have any information on that. The party high command will take a decision. I do not wish to comment further on the issue,” he said.
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