In a resounding display of commitment, Rahul Gandhi, the senior leader of the Indian National Congress, reiterated the party’s five key promises during the swearing-in ceremony of the Congress-led Karnataka leadership. Addressing the gathering, Gandhi emphasized the party’s dedication to a clean and non-corrupt government and assured that the promises would swiftly be transformed into law.
Amidst the oath-taking ceremony at Bengaluru’s Kanteerava Stadium, eight Congress MLAs were sworn in as ministers, including Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister and DK Shivakumar as the Deputy Chief Minister. Rahul Gandhi, the now-expelled Member of Parliament from Wayanad, expressed his confidence in the newly-formed government’s ability to deliver on their electoral commitments.
“We made five promises to you. I had said we don’t make false promises. We do what we say. In 1-2 hours, the first Cabinet meeting of the Karnataka government will convene, and in that meeting, these five promises will become law,” stated Rahul Gandhi, reaffirming the Congress’ determination to fulfill its electoral pledges.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress chief, echoed Gandhi’s sentiment, assuring the public that the party would indeed “walk the talk” and implement all five guarantees. The Congress party attributed its victory in the recent Karnataka elections to its unwavering support for the marginalized sections of society, including the poor, Dalits, adivasis, and backward communities.
“We had the truth and the support of the poor people. The BJP had money, police, and everything, but the people of Karnataka defeated all their powers,” Gandhi proclaimed proudly, emphasizing the triumph of their inclusive approach over divisive rhetoric.
The Congress’ resounding victory saw the party secure 135 seats in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, effectively ousting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from its sole southern stronghold on May 13. To form a government in the state, a party or coalition must secure a minimum of 113 seats, further underlining the significance of Congress’ achievement.
During the ceremony, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot administered the oath of office to the MLAs, while Siddaramaiah took the oath as the Chief Minister for the second time, and DK Shivakumar assumed the role of the sole Deputy CM. Prominent Congress leaders extended their congratulations, and the MLAs were presented with mementos by the Governor.
Notable figures, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Chief Ministers from other Congress-ruled states such as Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, were present at the event, emphasizing the unity within the party.
As the Karnataka Cabinet convenes within hours of the swearing-in ceremony, the focus now shifts to the implementation of the five key promises made by the Congress party. With Rahul Gandhi’s assurance of swift action, the people of Karnataka eagerly await the transformation of these promises into concrete legislation, as the new government seeks to deliver on its mandate for a clean and inclusive administration.
