D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, following the resignation of Siddaramaiah. The ceremony, attended by prominent Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, took place in Bengaluru. Shivakumar, known as 'DK Shi,' assumes leadership with a cabinet of 13 ministers, including G. Parameshwar as deputy chief minister. His administration faces considerable challenges, particularly in managing the state's finances, which involve a budget of over ₹500 billion (approximately $6 billion USD) dedicated to five major schemes. Additionally, Shivakumar must address pressing agricultural issues, including droughts and fluctuating crop prices, while dealing with ongoing river disputes with Tamil Nadu regarding the Mekedatu and Cauvery rivers. The Mekedatu dam project, which Shivakumar argues is vital for Bengaluru's water supply, has sparked protests from Tamil Nadu farmers demanding legal action against him for opposing a Supreme Court ruling on the matter. As he embarks on this role, Shivakumar expressed gratitude for the public's trust and acknowledged the difficulties ahead.