BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Late-night discussions were held in New Delhi on Sunday involving the Congress high command, chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar, and caretaker chief minister Siddaramaiah to finalize the composition of the new Karnataka cabinet. The first phase is expected to induct between 10 and 20 ministers on Wednesday, coinciding with Shivakumar’s swearing-in ceremony.
According to a senior party functionary, an initial list is nearly complete, with 10 names finalized while an additional 10 are under consideration for the first round of oath-taking. This list will be presented to All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi before finalization.
Discussions included key organizational and constitutional appointments, such as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, assembly speaker, and legislative council chairman. Shivakumar is reportedly supporting Satish Jarkiholi, H K Patil, and B K Hariprasad for important roles, while Siddaramaiah favors Hariprasad for the position of state party chief.
Siddaramaiah is also advocating for the inclusion of his loyalists from the Ahinda community in the cabinet, though indications suggest that no more than 10 of his nominees may be accommodated. Jarkiholi is seeking both a cabinet position and an organizational role.
The issue of deputy chief minister (DCM) posts has surfaced as a contentious topic within Congress. Siddaramaiah is pushing for DCM roles for G Parameshwara, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, K J George, and M B Patil. However, Shivakumar opposes appointing DCMs, arguing it could lead to parallel power centers and unnecessary political friction.
Additionally, the high command is contemplating the inclusion of Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, in the cabinet. While there is a consensus among state and national party leaders to include him to protect the Kuruba vote base, Siddaramaiah is cautious, concerned that this might be perceived as nepotism. Yathindra expressed hope about his inclusion, stating, “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.”
The Congress leadership also reviewed preparations for Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections scheduled for June 18. Based on the party’s strength in the assembly, it is projected to win three out of four Rajya Sabha seats and five out of seven legislative council seats.
Meanwhile, protests by members of the Dalit community occurred outside the KPCC office, with demands for a Dalit leader to be appointed as DCM. Protesters, led by Dalit leader K Venkataswamy, urged for senior leaders G Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa, and HC Mahadevappa to be considered for the role. In a related event, Congress workers in Halkarti village of Chittapur taluk conducted special prayers at the Veerabhadreshwara temple, advocating for minister Priyank Kharge to be appointed as DCM. Additionally, supporters of Shantinagar MLA and BDA chairman NA Haris held ceremonies at the Adishakti temple, seeking a DCM post or a cabinet berth.
