According to NDTV sources, a power-sharing arrangement is being considered that would allocate significant positions to leaders from various factions. The proposed plan includes the possibility of appointing leaders from Dalit and minority communities to crucial government roles, but the final arrangement remains pending approval.
Insiders indicate that the proposal to have two to three deputy chief ministers is gaining traction within Congress circles as the party continues to design the new government structure. However, sources from ToI have mentioned that this number could increase to four to ensure social and regional representation.
A high-level meeting is set for 4 pm today at the conference hall of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, aimed at discussing leadership and cabinet formation. The meeting will be chaired by Siddaramaiah, with attendance from DK Shivakumar, Randeep Surjewala, and other senior party members.
This follows the acceptance of Siddaramaiah’s resignation by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday, which led to the immediate dissolution of his council of ministers. Post-resignation, Siddaramaiah traveled to Delhi with his son Yathindra to engage in talks with prominent Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and KC Venugopal.
With DK Shivakumar poised to assume control of the state government, focus now shifts to the selection of cabinet members. Several seasoned leaders are reportedly under consideration for ministerial roles. Names being deliberated include KJ George, UT Khader, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, Krishna Byre Gowda, MB Patil, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, G Parameshwara, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and N Chaluvarayaswamy.
UT Khader, Priyank Kharge, and MB Patil are believed to be among the top contenders for the deputy chief minister positions should the party choose to adopt the multi-deputy CM approach. Additionally, a significant appointment could see senior Congress figure HK Patil stepping in as the next Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.
Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers regarding the Karnataka Congress president position. Satish Jarkiholi remains a prominent candidate for the role.
Reports indicate his interest in managing both organisational duties and a ministerial role, similar to past arrangements.
However, party leadership is closely weighing whether the state president should concentrate solely on fortifying the organization. With Karnataka gearing up for another assembly election cycle in the upcoming two years, many leaders believe full-time dedication to party matters is essential.
The Congress leadership also appears to be eager to infuse new talent into the government. In addition to experienced figures, there are plans to provide opportunities for younger and emerging leaders. As talks about cabinet formation progressed, several MLAs traveled to New Delhi in efforts to secure their positions in the new cabinet.
