Will Karnataka get two deputy CMs under Shivakumar? Hectic parleys underway in Delhi to finalise cabinet
Congress high command is tasked with finalising the ministerial list while balancing regional, caste, and social equations
As D.K. Shivakumar prepares to be sworn in as Karnataka's Chief Minister on Wednesday, intensive discussions are ongoing in Delhi to finalize his cabinet, which aims to blend new and experienced leaders, with Shivakumar, outgoing CM Siddaramaiah, and senior leaders like G. Parameshwara and K.J. George consulting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The swearing-in ceremony is set for Wednesday at 4 pm, with an initial group of 10-12 ministers expected to take the oath alongside Shivakumar, though the exact composition is a complex balancing act involving regional, caste, and social considerations, potentially seeing some outgoing ministers replaced by younger faces and intense lobbying for ministerial berths from various factions, including Siddaramaiah's push for his son Yathindra and speculation about Priyank Kharge receiving a key portfolio, while the crucial decision on the deputy chief minister position is also being debated, with reports suggesting Shivakumar might appoint two deputies, possibly including a Dalit leader, with Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge as frontrunners and Yathindra being considered if Siddaramaiah's advocacy for him is successful, amidst ongoing efforts by the Congress central leadership to persuade Siddaramaiah to accept a Rajya Sabha seat despite his expressed desire to remain an MLA in state politics.
As D.K. Shivakumar prepares to be sworn in as Karnataka's Chief Minister on Wednesday, intensive discussions are ongoing in Delhi to finalize his cabinet, which aims to blend new and experienced leaders, with Shivakumar, outgoing CM Siddaramaiah, and senior leaders like G. Parameshwara and K.J. George consulting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The swearing-in ceremony is set for Wednesday at 4 pm, with an initial group of 10-12 ministers expected to take the oath alongside Shivakumar, though the exact composition is a complex balancing act involving regional, caste, and social considerations, potentially seeing some outgoing ministers replaced by younger faces and intense lobbying for ministerial berths from various factions, including Siddaramaiah's push for his son Yathindra and speculation about Priyank Kharge receiving a key portfolio, while the crucial decision on the deputy chief minister position is also being debated, with reports suggesting Shivakumar might appoint two deputies, possibly including a Dalit leader, with Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge as frontrunners and Yathindra being considered if Siddaramaiah's advocacy for him is successful, amidst ongoing efforts by the Congress central leadership to persuade Siddaramaiah to accept a Rajya Sabha seat despite his expressed desire to remain an MLA in state politics.
As D.K. Shivakumar prepares to be sworn in as Karnataka's Chief Minister on Wednesday, intensive discussions are ongoing in Delhi to finalize his cabinet, which aims to blend new and experienced leaders, with Shivakumar, outgoing CM Siddaramaiah, and senior leaders like G. Parameshwara and K.J. George consulting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The swearing-in ceremony is set for Wednesday at 4 pm, with an initial group of 10-12 ministers expected to take the oath alongside Shivakumar, though the exact composition is a complex balancing act involving regional, caste, and social considerations, potentially seeing some outgoing ministers replaced by younger faces and intense lobbying for ministerial berths from various factions, including Siddaramaiah's push for his son Yathindra and speculation about Priyank Kharge receiving a key portfolio, while the crucial decision on the deputy chief minister position is also being debated, with reports suggesting Shivakumar might appoint two deputies, possibly including a Dalit leader, with Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge as frontrunners and Yathindra being considered if Siddaramaiah's advocacy for him is successful, amidst ongoing efforts by the Congress central leadership to persuade Siddaramaiah to accept a Rajya Sabha seat despite his expressed desire to remain an MLA in state politics.
As D.K. Shivakumar prepares to be sworn in as Karnataka’s new chief minister on Wednesday, hectic discussions are underway in Delhi to finalise the composition of his cabinet, which is expected to feature a mix of fresh faces and experienced leaders.
Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are both in the national capital to attend a series of meetings, including consultations with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Senior Karnataka leaders, such as G. Parameshwara and K.J. George, have also arrived in Delhi for the parleys.
According to reports, the leaders held preliminary discussions with AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge and general secretary Randeep Surjewala before meeting Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.
Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday at 4 pm. Around 10 to 12 ministers are also likely to take oath alongside the chief minister.
Reports said several ministers from the outgoing cabinet are expected to be dropped to accommodate younger faces, though Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and Kharge camps are pushing for their confidantes to secure ministerial berths.
Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, an MLC, has expressed hope for a cabinet post, citing an assurance from Rahul Gandhi, while speculation continues over Kharge’s son Priyank Kharge receiving a key portfolio.
With just a day remaining before the swearing-in, the Congress high command is tasked with finalising the ministerial list while balancing regional, caste, and social equations. The leadership must also decide on the deputy chief minister position, a key demand from Siddaramaiah’s camp.
Sources indicate Shivakumar may appoint two deputies, including a Dalit leader, with Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge emerging as frontrunners. Yathindra may be considered for the second deputy post, as Siddaramaiah strongly advocates for his inclusion.
Meanwhile, according to PTI, the Congress central leadership continues to urge Siddaramaiah to accept a Rajya Sabha seat, though the outgoing chief minister has expressed his preference to remain an MLA and continue in state politics.