New Delhi, June 1: Karnataka’s appointed Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived in New Delhi on Monday to discuss the formation of the new cabinet with Congress leadership. The two leaders will engage in talks regarding the cabinet’s structure.
Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah took the same flight to the capital. Prior to their departure, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge left his residence in Bengaluru for New Delhi. Siddaramaiah’s son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, along with several senior Congress leaders, has also reached the capital.
According to party sources, Congress leaders Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar, AICC General Secretary (Organization) K.C. Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala have already discussed and finalized an initial list of ministers.
Sources indicate that the first phase of cabinet formation may include around 10 to 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister. The proposed social structure for the first batch is expected to feature two leaders from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), two Scheduled Caste (SC) leaders, one Scheduled Tribe (ST) leader, two Vokkaliga leaders, one Muslim representative, and two Lingayat leaders.
The swearing-in ceremony for the first batch of ministers is anticipated to take place on June 3. Party sources further revealed that the Congress leadership is considering a two-phase cabinet expansion. Remaining ministerial positions are likely to be filled after the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
According to sources, Siddaramaiah’s supporters are expected to secure a significant share of cabinet positions in the first phase of the expansion. The final list of ministers is expected to receive approval after discussions with the Congress central leadership in New Delhi.
Moreover, Siddaramaiah has reportedly prepared a list of leaders from his faction interested in ministerial roles, which he may present to the Congress leadership.
As discussions about cabinet formation intensify, several leaders have already arrived in New Delhi. It is anticipated that the Congress leadership will carefully review the list for district and community representation before finalizing it.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Siddaramaiah will push for the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister positions in Karnataka. Discussions at his residence suggest that his faction believes at least three Deputy Chief Ministers should be appointed to ensure adequate representation of caste and community in the government.
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