New Delhi, June 3 : Congress leaders praised D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday ahead of his scheduled swearing-in as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, with Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar pointing out that Shivakumar has consistently played a key role in strengthening the party.

Speaking to IANS, Wadettiwar said, "Whenever the party has faced trouble in the state, he has always helped Congress move forward. He is known even outside his state as a fighting leader. At the same time, his identity is also that of a leader who shares in others' joys and sorrows.â??

â??He never compromised on his attachment to the Congress party. He has always said, 'I would prefer to go to jail, but I will not join the BJP.' He remained firm on this, and today, one who fights, wins. People now recognise this about him. I am happy that such a fighting leader is becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka today,â?? he added.

Madhya Pradesh Congress President, Jitu Patwari, who arrived in Bengaluru for the ceremony, praised Shivakumarâ??s role in both governance and party organisation.

"Every resident of Karnataka takes pride in Karnataka's economic progress and development under Siddaramaiah's tenure. D.K. Shivakumar played a crucial role in bringing the Congress party to power. He also set an example by respectfully and graciously supporting and accepting the tenure of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister. Both these aspects are excellent examples of mutual respect and cooperation in politics," Patwari said.

Senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao said the leadership transition was the result of a long political process within the party.

"Last 21 years, there has been a process going on in Karnataka, the next Chief Minister, PCC president, and also Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar. Finally, the high command has decided to replace Siddaramaiah because he has already accepted high-command work. So, he has been accommodated in the Congress Working Committee. And the next Chief Minister is D.K. Shivakumar. Definitely, both will continue. Whatever the pre-election promises, they will definitely conduct welfare programs in the interest of the people..." he said.

Meanwhile, BJP Bihar State President Sanjay Saraogi said the selection of the Chief Minister was an internal matter of the Congress party but claimed the political atmosphere in Karnataka was turning against the ruling party.

"We wish them well. It is an internal matter of the Congress party, who becomes the Chief Minister and who does not. However, in Karnataka, an atmosphere is being created against the Congress party, and the current situation shows that in the upcoming elections, common people and voters are looking towards the Bharatiya Janata Party," he said.

D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka at 4.05 P.M. on Wednesday at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar and members of the new Cabinet.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by senior Congress leaders including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, and Karnataka incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, Pradesh Congress Committee presidents from various states, MPs, and senior party leaders are also expected to attend.

The guest list further includes religious leaders, students from Government School Doddalahalli in Kanakapura, daily wage workers, civic workers, farmer leaders, representatives of Dalit and Backward Class organisations, womenâ??s self-help groups, women leaders and youth representatives.

/IANS