The process of government formation in Karnataka has shifted to the national capital as top leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar engage in intense deliberations in Delhi. Both leaders are currently camping in the city to resolve several contentious issues regarding the distribution of cabinet portfolios and the appointment of their close associates to key positions. The Congress high command is actively involved in mediating these discussions to ensure a balanced power structure within the state government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for June 3, while the full cabinet expansion is expected to take place only after June 18 to maintain internal party stability.
High Level Meetings in Delhi
The discussions in Delhi are being conducted in multiple stages. Initially, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are scheduled to hold talks with General Secretary KC Venugopal and the state in-charge Randeep Surjewala. If the deadlock persists after these preliminary meetings, the matters will be escalated to the party's top leadership for a final decision. This move comes after Siddaramaiah resigned from the post of Chief Minister, making way for DK Shivakumar, who has been elected as the leader of the legislative party. However, the tug-of-war between the two camps regarding ministerial berths for their respective loyalists continues to be a major hurdle.
Key Points of Contention
Several critical issues are currently on the table for discussion. Both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are pushing for their close supporters to be inducted into the cabinet with influential departments. A significant point of discussion is the political future of Siddaramaiah's son, who is currently an MLC, while reports suggest that the high command is willing to accommodate him as a cabinet minister with a substantial portfolio to secure his political career. Plus, as DK Shivakumar, who has served as the Deputy CM and State President, prepares to take over as CM, both leaders are vying to install their supporters as the next State President, while even regarding the Deputy CM positions, both camps are exerting pressure to ensure their loyalists are included.
The Rajya Sabha Offer and Coordination Committee
In an attempt to balance the power dynamics, the Congress high command offered Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha seat and a significant role in the national organization. The party intended to take advantage of him as a prominent OBC face, particularly in South India. However, Siddaramaiah has reportedly declined the offer to move to Delhi or join the Rajya Sabha, insisting on remaining active in Karnataka politics. The final resolution to these questions is expected after a face-to-face meeting between Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi. If Siddaramaiah remains firm on staying in state politics, the high command might propose the formation of a Coordination Committee to ensure harmony between the government and the organization, with Siddaramaiah potentially serving as its Chairman.
Cabinet Structure and Challenges
The Karnataka Council of Ministers is limited to 34 members, including the Chief Minister. With a high number of aspirants for a limited number of seats, DK Shivakumar faces a significant challenge as the CM-designate. Sources indicate that the new cabinet will likely be a mix of experienced faces and newcomers, with a heavy emphasis on caste equations, regional balance, and loyalty. There is speculation that several ministers from the previous Siddaramaiah cabinet might be excluded to make room for new blood. Also, the government might see the appointment of multiple Deputy Chief Ministers. The current plan suggests that DK Shivakumar will take the oath on June 3 along with 8 to 10 key ministers, with the remaining expansion occurring after June 18, following the elections for 4 Rajya Sabha and 9 Legislative Council seats.
Official Statements
" When asked about the number of ministers who would take the oath alongside him on Sunday, he stated that he was unaware and would follow the decision of the party high command. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned that no formal announcement or proposal regarding the ministry's structure has been finalized yet. The party remains focused on navigating the complex loyalty and regional equations presented by the Siddaramaiah camp and other factions within the state unit.