Bangalore, May 23 (Agencies): JDS leader H.D. Kumaraswamy was sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on the steps of the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat.

Governor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath of office and secrecy to Kumaraswamy.

Kumaraswamy will visit Dharmashala and Sringeri tomorrow to seek the blessings of Lord Manjunath, Sringeri Sharada Devi and the present Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Teertha, the release said.

In the May 12 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party had emerged as the single largest party. But the BJP’s 104 seats was short of the 112 required to form a government.

Kumaraswamy’s party won 37 seats and the Congress 78 seats. BJP leader B.S. Yeddyurappa was sworn in as chief minister on May 17. But he quit as chief minister on May 19 before facing a confidence vote. The JDS and Congress then joined hands to form the government. 

Before being sworn in, Kumaraswamy had said there would be certain limitations in a coalition government, but his party would keep its manifesto promises.

Kumaraswamy said there is no question of backtracking on the promise to waive farm loans, and he would do so after improving the state’s economy.

”…After improving the economy of the state, we will waive farm loans,” he said.

He also appealed to the people to give up their obsession with caste.

”I want to tell the people of the state not to give in to any fear. Give up your obsession for caste. I don't belong to one community but the 6.5 crore population of the state and I am only a public servant,” said Kumaraswamy.

Kumaraswamy, had met Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Monday to finalise the modalities of government formation and ministerial berth sharing between the two post-poll allies.

The JDS leader, was sworn in as chief minister on Wednesday for the second time in 12 years.