Karnataka: DK Shivakumar’s cabinet to debut with 10-20 ministers; Delhi talks continue | India News

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 Sunday to finalise the composition of the new Karnataka cabinet. There are plans to induct between 10 and 20 ministers in the first phase, alongside Shivakumar’s swearing-in on Wednesday.Also read | What could make or break DK Shivakumar’s reign in Karnataka A senior party functionary said the initial list is nearly 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. 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 backing Hariprasad for the post of state party chief.Siddaramaiah also lobbying for inclusion of Ahinda loyalistsSiddaramaiah is also lobbying for the inclusion of his loyalists from the Ahinda bloc in the cabinet, though other netas indicated no more than 10 of his nominees are likely to be accommodated.Jarkiholi is reportedly seeking both a cabinet berth and an organisational role.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.The high command is also weighing inclusion of Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra in the cabinet. While both state and national-level netas 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 being 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.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.Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, members of Dalit community staged a protest outsideKPCC office, urging the leadership to appoint a Dalit leader as DCM. Protesters demanded that senior leaders G Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa and HC 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 appointment of minister Priyank Kharge as DCM.In Bengaluru, supporters of Shantinagar MLA and BDA chairman NA 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.