Karnataka Cabinet Formation: A day after the Congress high command announced DK Shivakumar as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) during a high-stakes meeting on Saturday, focus has now shifted to the formation of the new Karnataka cabinet.
Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar is scheduled to meet the party leadership in New Delhi on Monday to discuss cabinet berths and other political developments in the state, according to ANI, citing Congress sources.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar said he was unsure about how many leaders would be inducted into the cabinet and take oath alongside him on June 3.
When asked whether other leaders would be sworn in with him, he told reporters in Bengaluru, "I don't know. Whatever the party high command decides will happen."
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the number of ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers in the new Karnataka cabinet is yet to be finalised.
Race for cabinet berths intensifies
Amid the cabinet formation exercise, lobbying for ministerial positions has intensified, with several leaders heading to the national capital to meet the party leadership. Senior Congress legislators Sharan Prakash Patil, Raghavendra Basavaraj Hitnal and Basanagouda Daddal were among those who left for Delhi from Kempegowda International Airport near Bengaluru.
According to News18, citing sources, the race for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post is also heating up. Under the Dalit representation quota, senior leader G. Parameshwara and minister Priyank Kharge are said to be among the frontrunners, with strong lobbying underway within party circles.
Amid intense discussions over cabinet formation, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, could be inducted into the new cabinet likely to be led by DK Shivakumar.
According to Jagran.com, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who is currently a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC), is among the frontrunners being considered for a ministerial role in the new government.
Additionally, several media reports have claimed that Siddaramaiah has sought the post of deputy chief minister for his son amid the ongoing leadership transition in Karnataka.
Shivakumar, after serving three years as Deputy Chief Minister, is now set to take charge as Karnataka Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 3 at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru.
DK Shivakumar formally submitted a letter to Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot informing him about his unanimous election as the CLP leader. This followed the voluntary resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 28. The Governor dissolved the previous Council of Ministers immediately, while asking Siddaramaiah to continue in office until the new government is sworn in.