Karnataka chief minister-designate DK Shivakumar is scheduled to meet with the Congress high command on Monday to deliberate on cabinet berths ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, as reported by news agency ANI, citing sources. This development follows the decision of his predecessor, Siddaramaiah, to step down from the chief minister's post, after reportedly submitting a list of his loyalists for cabinet positions.
Siddaramaiah's Demands and Party Reorganisation
According to PTI, Siddaramaiah has requested a cabinet berth and a key portfolio for his son, Yathindra. He is also understood to have presented a list of loyalists he wishes to see accommodated in the new cabinet. Sources further informed PTI that the Congress party is likely to undertake a reorganisation of its structure in Karnataka, a process in which Siddaramaiah—widely regarded as the party's most prominent leader in the state—is expected to play a significant role.
Earlier in the day, when asked about the number of leaders who would be inducted into his cabinet and take oath alongside him on June 3, DK Shivakumar stated, "I don't know. Whatever the party high command decides will happen."
Kharge's Remarks on Cabinet Formation
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking to reporters at Kalaburagi airport, clarified that the number of ministers and deputy chief ministers in the new Karnataka cabinet has yet to be finalised. "We have to see. No proposal has come yet. Once it does, we'll decide how many ministers and deputy chief ministers to appoint. We'll know more after June 3," Kharge said.
The Congress chief noted that there is currently no proposal to induct ministers into the new cabinet. However, he mentioned a second phase of inductions, which could occur after 15 days or a month. "The proposal hasn't arrived yet—whether it's eight or ten is still unknown. Once we have it, we'll proceed with the first phase accordingly. There's a plan to appoint the remaining members in a second phase, perhaps fifteen days or a month later," he explained.
Shivakumar's Transition and Oath Ceremony
DK Shivakumar, after serving as deputy chief minister for three years, is set to assume the role of Karnataka chief minister. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for June 3 at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Shivakumar formally submitted a letter to Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, informing him of his unanimous election as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader. This followed the voluntary resignation of former chief minister Siddaramaiah on May 28.
The Governor dissolved the previous council of ministers but requested Siddaramaiah to continue in office until the new government is sworn in. The upcoming meeting between Shivakumar and the Congress high command is expected to finalise the cabinet composition, balancing various factional interests within the state party unit.
