Countdown begins for HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in. Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee have reached Bengaluru. Speaking to ANI, Naidu says, "We've come here to witness the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy and express our solidarity with him. In future we'll work together to protect and promote national interest. We're here to strengthen all regional parties."


Kumaraswamy, the third son of JD-S supremo and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, will be administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Vajubhai Vala at 4:30 pm in front of the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the government in Bengaluru.


A huge stage has been erected in front of the majestic stone building for the ceremony, where a host of national and regional leaders are expected to be present to send a message across to the BJP over the shape of things to come in 2019.


Government officials and sources in the JD-S said Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, are likely to be present.


Newbie politicians Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan will also be there.