Bengaluru/New Delhi: The Congress high command, along with chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar and caretaker chief minister Siddaramaiah, held late-night discussions in New Delhi on Sunday to finalise the composition of the new Karnataka cabinet. Plans are in place to induct between 10 and 20 ministers in the first phase, alongside Shivakumar's swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.
Initial Cabinet List Nearly Ready
A senior party functionary stated that the initial list is almost ready, with some additional names still under consideration. "While 10 names have been finalised, another 10 are being discussed for oath-taking in the first round. The final list may be out Wednesday," he added. The list of probables will be presented before AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi before it is formalised.
Key Appointments Under Discussion
Discussions also focused on key organisational and constitutional appointments, including the KPCC president, assembly speaker, and legislative council chairman. Shivakumar is said to be backing Satish Jarkiholi, H K Patil, and B K Hariprasad for key organisational and cabinet roles, while Siddaramaiah is believed to be supporting Hariprasad for the post of state party chief.
Siddaramaiah is also lobbying for the inclusion of his loyalists from the Ahinda bloc in the cabinet, though other leaders indicated that no more than 10 of his nominees are likely to be accommodated. Jarkiholi is reportedly seeking both a cabinet berth and an organisational role.
Deputy Chief Minister Posts Become Contentious
The issue of deputy chief minister (DCM) posts has emerged as a major bone of contention within Congress ranks. Siddaramaiah is said to be pitching for DCM positions for G Parameshwara, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, K J George, and M B Patil. However, Shivakumar is reportedly against the idea of DCMs, arguing it could create parallel power centres and generate unnecessary political controversy.
Yathindra's Cabinet Induction Considered
The high command is also weighing the inclusion of Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra in the cabinet. While both state and national-level leaders in the party are keen to ensure this representation to safeguard the Kuruba vote base in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah is not pushing his case. His concern is that such a move could be interpreted as nepotism. "Last time I visited the high command, Rahul Gandhi said my interest will be taken care of, and that I would be inducted into the cabinet. So, I'm hopeful. Whatever be the portfolio, I'll be happy," Yathindra said, adding he wasn't harbouring any DCM ambitions.
Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council Elections Reviewed
The Congress leadership also reviewed preparations for Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections scheduled for June 18. Based on its current strength in the assembly, the party is projected to win three of the four RS seats and five of the seven MLC seats.
Protests and Rituals for DCM Posts
Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, members of the Dalit community staged a protest outside the KPCC office, urging the leadership to appoint a Dalit leader as DCM. Protesters demanded that senior leaders G Parameshwara, K H Muniyappa, and H C Mahadevappa be considered for this position. The demonstration was led by Dalit leader K Venkataswamy.
Separately, Congress workers in Halkarti village of Chittapur taluk performed special prayers at the Veerabhadreshwara temple, seeking the appointment of minister Priyank Kharge as DCM.
In Bengaluru, supporters of Shantinagar MLA and BDA chairman N A Haris conducted rituals at the Adishakti temple at GBA headquarters, seeking either a DCM post or a cabinet berth for him. As part of the rituals, 108 coconuts were broken.
