June 25, 2026

June 2026

Forest dept to begin week-long World Environment Day progs with cleanliness drive | Ranchi News

Forest dept to begin week-long World Environment Day progs with cleanliness drive | Ranchi News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Ranchi: The state forest, environment and climate change department would begin the World Environment Day celebrations with a cleanliness drive at the Biodiversity Park in Ranchi on Tuesday.“The department would join hands with public, students and environmental experts to organise activities to generate awareness about environmental protection,” Sanjeev Kumar, the principal chief conservator of forests…

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Billionaire San Francisco 49ers investor Vinod Khosla prepares blockbuster bid for Microsoft cofounder’s NFL team Seattle Seahawks

Billionaire San Francisco 49ers investor Vinod Khosla prepares blockbuster bid for Microsoft cofounder’s NFL team Seattle Seahawks

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Billionaire San Francisco 49ers investor Vinod Khosla prepares blockbuster bid for Microsoft cofounder’s NFL team Seattle Seahawks (Image via Getty: Vinod Khosla, Seattle Seahawks logo) Vinod Khosla is the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and the founder of Khosla Ventures in Menlo Park, California. As of June 1, 2026, Vinod Khosla’s real-time net worth is $15.4…

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Rabi Lamichhane Rabi Lamichhane, chief of Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), arrived in New Delhi on Monday for talks with senior BJP leaders even as street protests erupted in Kathmandu and opposition parties disrupted Parliament over PM Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah’s remark that Nepal had “also encroached on India’s land”. Protesters gathered near Parliament and key junctions in Kathmandu, demanding that Shah withdraw the statement and apologise, while opposition MPs said the remark “weakened” Nepal’s claim over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.The controversy comes against a backdrop of growing irritants in India-Nepal relations. Nepal’s stricter customs enforcement on goods brought from Indian markets has triggered protests in border towns and affected local trade. Debate has also intensified after Uttarakhand high court sought clarification on whether Nepali citizens enjoy unrestricted rights to settle and buy property in India under the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Reports of anti-encroachment drives near sections of the India-Nepal border have added to the unease.Lamichhane leads a three-member RSP delegation on BJP’s invitation for party-to-party talks at a crucial juncture. The five-day visit is being seen as the most significant political outreach by Nepal’s ruling establishment to New Delhi since Shah took office. Lamichhane is scheduled to hold strategic meetings with BJP leaders, including BJP national president Nitin Nabin, to exchange views on democratic processes, governance and political outreach. High-level diplomatic meetings were also being explored with PM Narendra Modi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval. The delegation is expected to interact with members of the Nepali diaspora in India and will visit Ayodhya before returning to Kathmandu on June 5.BJP’s foreign affairs in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale said the visit was aimed at opening a regular political channel with RSP. “BJP is seeking to establish a regular channel of communication with RSP,” he said. “This is new for us too, but we are hopeful that it will set up a kind of regular dialogue between the two parties.”Back home in Nepal, Shah had told Parliament on Sunday, “After becoming PM, I came to know that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places.” He added, “Both sides need to sit down and look into the matter.” Shah said the dispute should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and technical consultations involving historians, surveyors and border experts.Govt insiders in Kathmandu said Shah’s remark stemmed from technical briefings on unresolved border issues rather than any attempt to alter Nepal’s territorial claims. “The PM was referring to local-level cross-border occupation, not a formal Nepali claim over Indian territory,” a senior foreign ministry official said. “In several places along the open border, especially in no-man’s-land and riverine stretches, people from one side may be cultivating or occupying land that technically falls on the other side because boundary pillars are missing, damaged or river courses have shifted.”Opposition lawmakers called the statement “anti-national” and demanded proof. Nepali Congress general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma asked, “What is RSP’s stance on this issue? Are we the ones encroaching on someone else’s territory, or are we the victims of encroachment?”Former Nepal ambassador to India Nilamber Acharya also criticised the PM’s remarks. “Nepal has not encroached on Indian land,” he said, adding that Nepal govt, as a state, had never occupied Indian territory. Another former envoy to India, Deep Kumar Upadhyay, questioned the basis of the PM’s claim. “Nepal encroaching India’s territory is not there in any record,” he said. “Border disputes should be handled through historical documents, maps and diplomatic mechanisms, not through statements that create confusion about Nepal’s established position.”Facing mounting criticism, foreign ministry officials sought to contain the fallout by clarifying that Shah’s remarks referred to cross-border occupation and unresolved demarcation issues along the open border, not a change in Nepal’s official stance. Officials reiterated that Kathmandu’s claim over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura remained unchanged.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cooker Only’ Audio Row Deepens Congress Rift As Zameer Denies Viral Recording Claims | WatchSanjay Singh Confronts Police Officials During Student Interaction Over Exam Paper LeaksMonkey Snatches ₹2 Lakh Bag In UP Court, Climbs Tree And Showers Currency Notes From AboveIndia-US Trade Deal Nears Finish Line, First Tranche May Be Signed Soon: Piyush GoyalTMC Expels Two MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee And Sandipan Saha, Amid Signature Mismatch RowRahul Gandhi flags ‘phone-scanned’ answer sheets as CBSE-OSM tender row deepensIndia-Oman Trade Pact Comes Into Force: A Strategic Alternative As Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Gulf TradeIllegal Encroachment Notice Issued As Main Surya Murder Accused Dies In Police EncounterCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke To Return On June 6, Announces Protest Seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s ResignationTMC Meeting Deferred After Just 20 Of 80 MLAs Reach Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence123PhotostoriesIs Anushka Sharma’s white ensemble RCB’s new lucky charm? A throwback to her 2025 IPL finale lookTop 10 Indian cities where property prices have risen the most in 2026From the elite class’s hobby to contemporary decorative: How did bonsai making turn into a modern-day art form?Love quote of the day by Louis de Bernières: ‘Love is not breathlessness; it’s not excitement’How Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s friendship exploded over ‘Don 3’: Inside Rs 45 crore fallout that led to FWICE directive9 stunning places to visit in Lahaul Valley after crossing the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh7 best low-maintenance plants for kitchen counters and windowsillsVirat Kohli and Anushka Sharma: 5 adorable moments of the couple celebrating RCB’s back-to-back IPL 2026 championship winDua Lipa traded the classic bridal gown for a blazer and Bvlgari diamonds, proving the cool-girl bride has officially entered the chatSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the difference123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarSidney CrosbyHormuz crisisMike Vrabel and Dianna ScandalCarlos AlcarazNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

Rabi Lamichhane Rabi Lamichhane, chief of Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), arrived in New Delhi on Monday for talks with senior BJP leaders even as street protests erupted in Kathmandu and opposition parties disrupted Parliament over PM Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah’s remark that Nepal had “also encroached on India’s land”. Protesters gathered near Parliament and key junctions in Kathmandu, demanding that Shah withdraw the statement and apologise, while opposition MPs said the remark “weakened” Nepal’s claim over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.The controversy comes against a backdrop of growing irritants in India-Nepal relations. Nepal’s stricter customs enforcement on goods brought from Indian markets has triggered protests in border towns and affected local trade. Debate has also intensified after Uttarakhand high court sought clarification on whether Nepali citizens enjoy unrestricted rights to settle and buy property in India under the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Reports of anti-encroachment drives near sections of the India-Nepal border have added to the unease.Lamichhane leads a three-member RSP delegation on BJP’s invitation for party-to-party talks at a crucial juncture. The five-day visit is being seen as the most significant political outreach by Nepal’s ruling establishment to New Delhi since Shah took office. Lamichhane is scheduled to hold strategic meetings with BJP leaders, including BJP national president Nitin Nabin, to exchange views on democratic processes, governance and political outreach. High-level diplomatic meetings were also being explored with PM Narendra Modi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval. The delegation is expected to interact with members of the Nepali diaspora in India and will visit Ayodhya before returning to Kathmandu on June 5.BJP’s foreign affairs in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale said the visit was aimed at opening a regular political channel with RSP. “BJP is seeking to establish a regular channel of communication with RSP,” he said. “This is new for us too, but we are hopeful that it will set up a kind of regular dialogue between the two parties.”Back home in Nepal, Shah had told Parliament on Sunday, “After becoming PM, I came to know that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places.” He added, “Both sides need to sit down and look into the matter.” Shah said the dispute should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and technical consultations involving historians, surveyors and border experts.Govt insiders in Kathmandu said Shah’s remark stemmed from technical briefings on unresolved border issues rather than any attempt to alter Nepal’s territorial claims. “The PM was referring to local-level cross-border occupation, not a formal Nepali claim over Indian territory,” a senior foreign ministry official said. “In several places along the open border, especially in no-man’s-land and riverine stretches, people from one side may be cultivating or occupying land that technically falls on the other side because boundary pillars are missing, damaged or river courses have shifted.”Opposition lawmakers called the statement “anti-national” and demanded proof. Nepali Congress general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma asked, “What is RSP’s stance on this issue? Are we the ones encroaching on someone else’s territory, or are we the victims of encroachment?”Former Nepal ambassador to India Nilamber Acharya also criticised the PM’s remarks. “Nepal has not encroached on Indian land,” he said, adding that Nepal govt, as a state, had never occupied Indian territory. Another former envoy to India, Deep Kumar Upadhyay, questioned the basis of the PM’s claim. “Nepal encroaching India’s territory is not there in any record,” he said. “Border disputes should be handled through historical documents, maps and diplomatic mechanisms, not through statements that create confusion about Nepal’s established position.”Facing mounting criticism, foreign ministry officials sought to contain the fallout by clarifying that Shah’s remarks referred to cross-border occupation and unresolved demarcation issues along the open border, not a change in Nepal’s official stance. Officials reiterated that Kathmandu’s claim over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura remained unchanged.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cooker Only’ Audio Row Deepens Congress Rift As Zameer Denies Viral Recording Claims | WatchSanjay Singh Confronts Police Officials During Student Interaction Over Exam Paper LeaksMonkey Snatches ₹2 Lakh Bag In UP Court, Climbs Tree And Showers Currency Notes From AboveIndia-US Trade Deal Nears Finish Line, First Tranche May Be Signed Soon: Piyush GoyalTMC Expels Two MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee And Sandipan Saha, Amid Signature Mismatch RowRahul Gandhi flags ‘phone-scanned’ answer sheets as CBSE-OSM tender row deepensIndia-Oman Trade Pact Comes Into Force: A Strategic Alternative As Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Gulf TradeIllegal Encroachment Notice Issued As Main Surya Murder Accused Dies In Police EncounterCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke To Return On June 6, Announces Protest Seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s ResignationTMC Meeting Deferred After Just 20 Of 80 MLAs Reach Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence123PhotostoriesIs Anushka Sharma’s white ensemble RCB’s new lucky charm? A throwback to her 2025 IPL finale lookTop 10 Indian cities where property prices have risen the most in 2026From the elite class’s hobby to contemporary decorative: How did bonsai making turn into a modern-day art form?Love quote of the day by Louis de Bernières: ‘Love is not breathlessness; it’s not excitement’How Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s friendship exploded over ‘Don 3’: Inside Rs 45 crore fallout that led to FWICE directive9 stunning places to visit in Lahaul Valley after crossing the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh7 best low-maintenance plants for kitchen counters and windowsillsVirat Kohli and Anushka Sharma: 5 adorable moments of the couple celebrating RCB’s back-to-back IPL 2026 championship winDua Lipa traded the classic bridal gown for a blazer and Bvlgari diamonds, proving the cool-girl bride has officially entered the chatSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the difference123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarSidney CrosbyHormuz crisisMike Vrabel and Dianna ScandalCarlos AlcarazNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Rabi Lamichhane, chief of Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), arrived in New Delhi on Monday for talks with senior BJP leaders even as street protests erupted in Kathmandu and opposition parties disrupted Parliament over PM Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah’s remark that Nepal had “also encroached on India’s land”. Protesters gathered near Parliament and key junctions…

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Jun 01, 2026, 20:43 IST

Jun 01, 2026, 20:43 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Serena Williams (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Tennis great Serena Williams is set to make a surprise return to professional tennis nearly four years after her last competitive match. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wild card entry for the women’s doubles event at Queen’s Club, set to be hosted between June 6…

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Brajesh Kumar Singh appointed MD & CEO Canara Bank

Brajesh Kumar Singh appointed MD & CEO Canara Bank

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Mumbai: Brajesh Kumar Singh has assumed charge as managing director and chief executive officer of Canara Bank after a Govt notification dated May 30, 2026, with his tenure set until Apr 30, 2029, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.The appointment follows the recommendation of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau and approval by the Appointment…

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Vignesh Shivan faces trolls, Prabhas’ ‘Spirit’ shoot, to Sobhita Dhulipala’s ‘Vettuvam’ look: Top 5 South newsmakers of the day

Vignesh Shivan faces trolls, Prabhas’ ‘Spirit’ shoot, to Sobhita Dhulipala’s ‘Vettuvam’ look: Top 5 South newsmakers of the day

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The South film industry witnessed several interesting developments today, ranging from social media controversies and movie shoot updates to concert discussions and major OTT deals. Many of these stories sparked conversations among fans online and generated significant buzz across the entertainment world. Here are the top five South entertainment newsmakers of the day. Vignesh Shivan…

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TMC expels 2 MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, for ‘anti-party activities’

TMC expels 2 MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, for ‘anti-party activities’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Sandipan Saha (L), Ritabrata Banerjee (R) KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday expelled two of its MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, from the party’s primary membership with immediate effect, accusing them of anti-party activities and actions prejudicial to the organisation’s interests.In separate expulsion notices issued on June 1, the party said both legislators had…

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R Madhavan’s wife Sarita pens heartwaming birthday post for him, calls him a wonderful husband, amazing father | Tamil Movie News

R Madhavan’s wife Sarita pens heartwaming birthday post for him, calls him a wonderful husband, amazing father | Tamil Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

R Madhavan turned 56 today (June 1), with people sending in their wishes for him through social media. Known for being charming as well as versatile as an actor, he remains immensely popular. From his romantic roles to some of his more powerful performances, Madhavan has made a mark for himself in the hearts of…

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’30 lakh fake accounts’: West Bengal govt orders SIT probe into Lakshmir Bhandar scheme

’30 lakh fake accounts’: West Bengal govt orders SIT probe into Lakshmir Bhandar scheme

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a special investigation team and money laundering probe into alleged fake Lakshmir Bhandar accounts. KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday alleged large-scale irregularities in the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme launched by the previous TMC government and said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be constituted to…

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NEW DELHI: Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar has been long known for his firefighting skills. The Congress turned to him everytime things fell apart. But now, as he prepares to take up the top job in Karnataka, the test will not just be of his firefighting skills (in his own backyard) but also of his governance skills.Shivakumar, also known as DKS, will take oath as Karnataka chief minister on June 3, completing a political journey that has defined much of the Congress party’s revival in the state. For nearly a decade, he has been the party’s troubleshooter, strategist, fundraiser, negotiator and organisational anchor. He helped keep Congress legislators together during moments of crisis, rebuilt the party after electoral setbacks and played a central role in engineering its decisive victory in Karnataka in 2023.His transition from deputy chief minister to chief minister post comes after months of speculation, bargaining and careful choreography by the Congress high command. Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 28 under the party’s power-sharing arrangement finally opened the door for Shivakumar. Yet the oath-taking ceremony may be the easiest part of the new assignment for DKS. What awaits him is a complicated factional tensions within Congress, caste expectations, state’s fiscal pressures and the relentless demands of governing India’s most economically significant southern state.Here are top challenges for DK Shivakumar as he readies to take top post in Karnataka:The shadow of SiddaramaiahThe first challenge in front of Shivakumar is also the most immediate: former CM Siddaramaiah.The outgoing chief minister may have vacated the office, but he remains the most influential mass leader in Karnataka Congress. Over the last three years, he has consolidated a powerful network of legislators and social groups, particularly through the Ahinda coalition of backward classes, minorities and Dalits in the state.In theory, the CM transition is orderly but in practicality, political transitions are are still visible.Many of the legislators who owe their political rise to Siddaramaiah remain influential within the legislature party. Several ministers are expected to seek continuity in portfolios and policy priorities. There is already pressure from Siddaramaiah’s camp regarding representation in the new cabinet, including demands linked to his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah. The challenge for Shivakumar may not merely accommodating the outgoing CM’s supporters. He will also have to establish authority among Siddaramaiah camp MLAs and, at the same time, assert independence without provoking a factional war.For Shivakumar, the task is especially delicate because the Congress government cannot afford visible instability and infighting. The BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) will closely monitor every sign of friction between the two camps.The BJP have already upped the ante against the transition. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the leadership change reflects the Congress’ acknowledgement that Siddaramaiah’s governance has failed on multiple fronts.”After two-and-a-half to three years of ‘Game of Thrones’, the ‘battle for the chair’ and ‘who will become the chief minister’, the Karnataka Congress has chosen a new CLP leader in the form of DK Shivakumar and replaced Siddaramaiah. It means they are acknowledging that Siddaramaiah’s governance has been a complete failure on all fronts — economy, law and order, and infrastructure,” Poonawalla said.”Therefore, they have had to replace him. Otherwise, 2028 (assembly elections) is gone,” he added.Former Karnataka CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai also asserted that Siddaramaiah’s decision to remain active in state politics would act as a “hanging sword” over Shivakumar, while asserting that the BJP would return to power on its own strength whenever elections are held in the state.For Shivakumar, the success of his first six months may depend on whether he is able to keep Siddaramaiah’s loyalists on his side.The cabinet puzzleIf every CM gets one political test immediately after taking office, it is cabinet formation.Shivakumar’s version of that test could be particularly difficult.Every allocation is likely to send a political message.Who gets home, Who controls finance, who oversees Bengaluru Development? A single exclusion can create months of resentment.Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah himself is negotiating the cabinet births for his son and loyalists with the high command after the resignation.It will be interesting to see how much space Shivakumar concedes to accommodate former CM’s loyalists.New Karnataka bossShivakumar’s challenge is compounded by another looming decision: selecting a new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.As state party chief, Shivakumar built one of the most effective political organisations in the state. His departure from that role creates a vacuum. Whoever succeeds him will inherit a powerful political machine.The choice will shape not only the party’s future but also Shivakumar’s own authority. A loyal organisational ally could strengthen his position. On the other hand, an ambitious successor could eventually emerge as an alternative power center.The caste equationShivakumar’s rise to the ranks is significant because he is the most prominent Vokkaliga leader in the Congress. The community remains one of the state’s most influential political blocs, particularly in southern Karnataka.Yet the Congress victory of 2023 was not built solely on Vokkaliga support. It rested heavily on the Ahinda coalition carefully nurtured by Siddaramaiah. That coalition now faces a moment of uncertainty.Many Dalit, backward-class and minority leaders will be watching closely to determine whether the leadership transition changes the government’s priorities. Shivakumar may need to reassure them that power has changed hands but political representation has not.Simultaneously, influential leaders from other communities are likely to press for greater prominence in the new arrangement.According to reports, there are already demands for multiple deputy CMs representing different social groups. Senior Dalit leaders, Lingayat leaders and regional power brokers all have claims that cannot be easily dismissed.The ticking bomb of caste census Shivakumar is also inheriting another politically sensitive issue from Siddaramaiah: the caste census. Before stepping down, Siddaramaiah accepted the findings of the socio-economic and educational survey and backed its implementation, positioning it as a tool for greater social justice and representation.The decision, however, triggered sharp reactions from influential Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders, who questioned the survey’s methodology and the population figures assigned to their communities. Several organisations demanded either a fresh survey or a review of the findings.As a Vokkaliga leader, Shivakumar faces a delicate balancing act. Reversing or diluting Siddaramaiah’s position could upset Ahinda groups that form the Congress’s core social coalition but moving ahead aggressively with the census recommendations risks alienating sections of the dominant communities whose support is crucial for both the Congress and Shivakumar’s own political base. The welfare vs growth dilemmaThe Congress government came to power on the strength of its guarantee schemes.Free electricity, free bus travel for women, cash assistance programs and other welfare initiatives helped create a powerful electoral coalition. While these schemes remain popular among beneficiaries, they are also expensive.Shivakumar inherits a government that must simultaneously fund welfare commitments and invest in infrastructure, urban development and economic growth.This tension is likely to define much of his tenure.The guarantees have become politically non-negotiable, rolling them back would risk alienating core supporters. Yet continuing them indefinitely without expanding revenues creates fiscal constraints.The challenge, therefore, is not whether to continue the schemes but how to sustain them.Can Karnataka maintain its welfare architecture while preserving its reputation as one of India’s most investment-friendly states?The question is likely to become more pressing as the state approaches the next election.Countdown to 2028Perhaps the greatest challenge confronting Shivakumar is time. Shivakumar has taking over the CM post in the second half of the term.Meanwhile, the clock is already ticking towards the next assembly elections in 2028. This leaves him roughly two years to establish an independent record, deliver visible results and persuade voters that the Congress deserves another term.Anti-incumbency is already a factor.And for Shivakumar, this creates a unique political dilemma.If the government performs well, much of the credit may still be shared with Siddaramaiah because many flagship policies originated under his leadership.If the government struggles, the blame will likely fall on the new CM because he was in charge during the final stretch before the election.In that sense, Shivakumar inherits both the advantages and burdens of incumbency.For decades, Shivakumar had built his reputation as a political operator of exceptional skill. He became indispensable to the Congress leadership. Also fondly called ‘Kanakapura Bande’ — the granite rock of Kanakapura (his constituency) — the 64-year-old leader steadily positioned himself as the Congress party’s principal Vokkaliga strongman. The troubleshooter, however, now faces a different challenge.The qualities that make him a successful political manager may or may not translate into successful governance. The coming months will reveal whether Shivakumar can make that transition.And the outcome may determine not only the future of his government but also the future of the Congress in one of its most important states.After the oath on Wednesday, the Congress’s crisis manager will be the man in charge in Karnataka and his real test will begin soon after that.About the AuthorPallaviNews desk journalist, digital, at The Times of India, with a focus on Indian politics. Over a decade of chasing stories, taming headlines and arguing with commas like they’re part of the opposition. Tracks elections, policy pivots, party drama and the fine print of power, where every word can tilt the narrative. Believes good journalism is clarity under pressure, ideally filed before the next breaking alert crashes in. Powered by deadlines, context, sharp edits and a steady supply of strong tea.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cooker Only’ Audio Row Deepens Congress Rift As Zameer Denies Viral Recording Claims | WatchSanjay Singh Confronts Police Officials During Student Interaction Over Exam Paper LeaksMonkey Snatches ₹2 Lakh Bag In UP Court, Climbs Tree And Showers Currency Notes From AboveIndia-US Trade Deal Nears Finish Line, First Tranche May Be Signed Soon: Piyush GoyalTMC Expels Two MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee And Sandipan Saha, Amid Signature Mismatch RowRahul Gandhi flags ‘phone-scanned’ answer sheets as CBSE-OSM tender row deepensIndia-Oman Trade Pact Comes Into Force: A Strategic Alternative As Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Gulf TradeIllegal Encroachment Notice Issued As Main Surya Murder Accused Dies In Police EncounterCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke To Return On June 6, Announces Protest Seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s ResignationTMC Meeting Deferred After Just 20 Of 80 MLAs Reach Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence123PhotostoriesIs Anushka Sharma’s white ensemble RCB’s new lucky charm? A throwback to her 2025 IPL finale lookTop 10 Indian cities where property prices have risen the most in 2026From the elite class’s hobby to contemporary decorative: How did bonsai making turn into a modern-day art form?Love quote of the day by Louis de Bernières: ‘Love is not breathlessness; it’s not excitement’How Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s friendship exploded over ‘Don 3’: Inside Rs 45 crore fallout that led to FWICE directive9 stunning places to visit in Lahaul Valley after crossing the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh7 best low-maintenance plants for kitchen counters and windowsillsVirat Kohli and Anushka Sharma: 5 adorable moments of the couple celebrating RCB’s back-to-back IPL 2026 championship winDua Lipa traded the classic bridal gown for a blazer and Bvlgari diamonds, proving the cool-girl bride has officially entered the chatSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the difference123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarSidney CrosbyHormuz crisisMike Vrabel and Dianna ScandalCarlos AlcarazNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

NEW DELHI: Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar has been long known for his firefighting skills. The Congress turned to him everytime things fell apart. But now, as he prepares to take up the top job in Karnataka, the test will not just be of his firefighting skills (in his own backyard) but also of his governance skills.Shivakumar, also known as DKS, will take oath as Karnataka chief minister on June 3, completing a political journey that has defined much of the Congress party’s revival in the state. For nearly a decade, he has been the party’s troubleshooter, strategist, fundraiser, negotiator and organisational anchor. He helped keep Congress legislators together during moments of crisis, rebuilt the party after electoral setbacks and played a central role in engineering its decisive victory in Karnataka in 2023.His transition from deputy chief minister to chief minister post comes after months of speculation, bargaining and careful choreography by the Congress high command. Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 28 under the party’s power-sharing arrangement finally opened the door for Shivakumar. Yet the oath-taking ceremony may be the easiest part of the new assignment for DKS. What awaits him is a complicated factional tensions within Congress, caste expectations, state’s fiscal pressures and the relentless demands of governing India’s most economically significant southern state.Here are top challenges for DK Shivakumar as he readies to take top post in Karnataka:The shadow of SiddaramaiahThe first challenge in front of Shivakumar is also the most immediate: former CM Siddaramaiah.The outgoing chief minister may have vacated the office, but he remains the most influential mass leader in Karnataka Congress. Over the last three years, he has consolidated a powerful network of legislators and social groups, particularly through the Ahinda coalition of backward classes, minorities and Dalits in the state.In theory, the CM transition is orderly but in practicality, political transitions are are still visible.Many of the legislators who owe their political rise to Siddaramaiah remain influential within the legislature party. Several ministers are expected to seek continuity in portfolios and policy priorities. There is already pressure from Siddaramaiah’s camp regarding representation in the new cabinet, including demands linked to his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah. The challenge for Shivakumar may not merely accommodating the outgoing CM’s supporters. He will also have to establish authority among Siddaramaiah camp MLAs and, at the same time, assert independence without provoking a factional war.For Shivakumar, the task is especially delicate because the Congress government cannot afford visible instability and infighting. The BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) will closely monitor every sign of friction between the two camps.The BJP have already upped the ante against the transition. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the leadership change reflects the Congress’ acknowledgement that Siddaramaiah’s governance has failed on multiple fronts.”After two-and-a-half to three years of ‘Game of Thrones’, the ‘battle for the chair’ and ‘who will become the chief minister’, the Karnataka Congress has chosen a new CLP leader in the form of DK Shivakumar and replaced Siddaramaiah. It means they are acknowledging that Siddaramaiah’s governance has been a complete failure on all fronts — economy, law and order, and infrastructure,” Poonawalla said.”Therefore, they have had to replace him. Otherwise, 2028 (assembly elections) is gone,” he added.Former Karnataka CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai also asserted that Siddaramaiah’s decision to remain active in state politics would act as a “hanging sword” over Shivakumar, while asserting that the BJP would return to power on its own strength whenever elections are held in the state.For Shivakumar, the success of his first six months may depend on whether he is able to keep Siddaramaiah’s loyalists on his side.The cabinet puzzleIf every CM gets one political test immediately after taking office, it is cabinet formation.Shivakumar’s version of that test could be particularly difficult.Every allocation is likely to send a political message.Who gets home, Who controls finance, who oversees Bengaluru Development? A single exclusion can create months of resentment.Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah himself is negotiating the cabinet births for his son and loyalists with the high command after the resignation.It will be interesting to see how much space Shivakumar concedes to accommodate former CM’s loyalists.New Karnataka bossShivakumar’s challenge is compounded by another looming decision: selecting a new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.As state party chief, Shivakumar built one of the most effective political organisations in the state. His departure from that role creates a vacuum. Whoever succeeds him will inherit a powerful political machine.The choice will shape not only the party’s future but also Shivakumar’s own authority. A loyal organisational ally could strengthen his position. On the other hand, an ambitious successor could eventually emerge as an alternative power center.The caste equationShivakumar’s rise to the ranks is significant because he is the most prominent Vokkaliga leader in the Congress. The community remains one of the state’s most influential political blocs, particularly in southern Karnataka.Yet the Congress victory of 2023 was not built solely on Vokkaliga support. It rested heavily on the Ahinda coalition carefully nurtured by Siddaramaiah. That coalition now faces a moment of uncertainty.Many Dalit, backward-class and minority leaders will be watching closely to determine whether the leadership transition changes the government’s priorities. Shivakumar may need to reassure them that power has changed hands but political representation has not.Simultaneously, influential leaders from other communities are likely to press for greater prominence in the new arrangement.According to reports, there are already demands for multiple deputy CMs representing different social groups. Senior Dalit leaders, Lingayat leaders and regional power brokers all have claims that cannot be easily dismissed.The ticking bomb of caste census Shivakumar is also inheriting another politically sensitive issue from Siddaramaiah: the caste census. Before stepping down, Siddaramaiah accepted the findings of the socio-economic and educational survey and backed its implementation, positioning it as a tool for greater social justice and representation.The decision, however, triggered sharp reactions from influential Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders, who questioned the survey’s methodology and the population figures assigned to their communities. Several organisations demanded either a fresh survey or a review of the findings.As a Vokkaliga leader, Shivakumar faces a delicate balancing act. Reversing or diluting Siddaramaiah’s position could upset Ahinda groups that form the Congress’s core social coalition but moving ahead aggressively with the census recommendations risks alienating sections of the dominant communities whose support is crucial for both the Congress and Shivakumar’s own political base. The welfare vs growth dilemmaThe Congress government came to power on the strength of its guarantee schemes.Free electricity, free bus travel for women, cash assistance programs and other welfare initiatives helped create a powerful electoral coalition. While these schemes remain popular among beneficiaries, they are also expensive.Shivakumar inherits a government that must simultaneously fund welfare commitments and invest in infrastructure, urban development and economic growth.This tension is likely to define much of his tenure.The guarantees have become politically non-negotiable, rolling them back would risk alienating core supporters. Yet continuing them indefinitely without expanding revenues creates fiscal constraints.The challenge, therefore, is not whether to continue the schemes but how to sustain them.Can Karnataka maintain its welfare architecture while preserving its reputation as one of India’s most investment-friendly states?The question is likely to become more pressing as the state approaches the next election.Countdown to 2028Perhaps the greatest challenge confronting Shivakumar is time. Shivakumar has taking over the CM post in the second half of the term.Meanwhile, the clock is already ticking towards the next assembly elections in 2028. This leaves him roughly two years to establish an independent record, deliver visible results and persuade voters that the Congress deserves another term.Anti-incumbency is already a factor.And for Shivakumar, this creates a unique political dilemma.If the government performs well, much of the credit may still be shared with Siddaramaiah because many flagship policies originated under his leadership.If the government struggles, the blame will likely fall on the new CM because he was in charge during the final stretch before the election.In that sense, Shivakumar inherits both the advantages and burdens of incumbency.For decades, Shivakumar had built his reputation as a political operator of exceptional skill. He became indispensable to the Congress leadership. Also fondly called ‘Kanakapura Bande’ — the granite rock of Kanakapura (his constituency) — the 64-year-old leader steadily positioned himself as the Congress party’s principal Vokkaliga strongman. The troubleshooter, however, now faces a different challenge.The qualities that make him a successful political manager may or may not translate into successful governance. The coming months will reveal whether Shivakumar can make that transition.And the outcome may determine not only the future of his government but also the future of the Congress in one of its most important states.After the oath on Wednesday, the Congress’s crisis manager will be the man in charge in Karnataka and his real test will begin soon after that.About the AuthorPallaviNews desk journalist, digital, at The Times of India, with a focus on Indian politics. Over a decade of chasing stories, taming headlines and arguing with commas like they’re part of the opposition. Tracks elections, policy pivots, party drama and the fine print of power, where every word can tilt the narrative. Believes good journalism is clarity under pressure, ideally filed before the next breaking alert crashes in. Powered by deadlines, context, sharp edits and a steady supply of strong tea.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cooker Only’ Audio Row Deepens Congress Rift As Zameer Denies Viral Recording Claims | WatchSanjay Singh Confronts Police Officials During Student Interaction Over Exam Paper LeaksMonkey Snatches ₹2 Lakh Bag In UP Court, Climbs Tree And Showers Currency Notes From AboveIndia-US Trade Deal Nears Finish Line, First Tranche May Be Signed Soon: Piyush GoyalTMC Expels Two MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee And Sandipan Saha, Amid Signature Mismatch RowRahul Gandhi flags ‘phone-scanned’ answer sheets as CBSE-OSM tender row deepensIndia-Oman Trade Pact Comes Into Force: A Strategic Alternative As Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Gulf TradeIllegal Encroachment Notice Issued As Main Surya Murder Accused Dies In Police EncounterCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke To Return On June 6, Announces Protest Seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s ResignationTMC Meeting Deferred After Just 20 Of 80 MLAs Reach Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence123PhotostoriesIs Anushka Sharma’s white ensemble RCB’s new lucky charm? 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