India, Aug. 13 -- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made a symbolic gesture on Thursday as he entered the state Legislative Assembly for the first time since taking charge as Chief Minister, bowing respectfully at the threshold of the Assembly and then before the Chief Minister's chair.

Shivakumar said the gesture was a mark of respect for democracy and the people of Karnataka. He said he was taking his first step into the House as Chief Minister with the blessings of the people of the state and by bowing before the ideals of democracy.

The 10-day Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature began on August 13 and is scheduled to continue until August 27. Shivakumar also greeted Opposition leaders R. Ashoka and Arvind Bellad as h...