BENGALURU: In a high-stakes balancing act ahead of the swearing-in of DK Shivakumar as new Karnataka chief minister, the Congress high command is understood to have finalised a broad 34-member ministry structure, including the CM, with indications of an equitable 11:11:11 formula to accommodate different factions within the party. According to well-placed sources, the proposed distribution envisages roughly 11 berths each for the party leadership/high command nominees, loyalists of outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah, and supporters of incoming CM DK Shivakumar. However, some insiders suggest the final numbers could see minor adjustments, depending on last-minute negotiations and performance metrics.
The high command has reportedly laid down a clear directive: priority must be given to young, dynamic and performing MLAs so that the new government hits the ground running and projects an image of efficiency and delivery. “Who makes the cut will define the character of this government,” a senior Congress functionary remarked, underscoring the intense lobbying currently under way.
Sources indicate that the first batch of ministers to be sworn in alongside Shivakumar will include at least 10 key heavyweights. While there was initial speculation about the inclusion of deputy chief ministers, a senior Congress leader categorically said there will be no DCMs in the new cabinet.
The party is also expected to announce its new state president soon. Names doing the rounds include that of Priyank Kharge and senior Scheduled Tribe leader Satish Jarkiholi. This comes against the backdrop of two ST ministers — B Nagendra and KN Rajanna — being dropped from the previous government, making representation from the community a sensitive political consideration.
Siddaramaiah’s son, Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, is being strongly tipped as a probable ministerial pick. In the minority segment, prominent aspirants include senior leaders Zameer Ahmed Khan, NA Haris, and UT Khader.
As a bargain, several staunch Shivakumar loyalists who played a critical role in keeping his chief ministerial ambitions alive may have to wait longer for ministerial berths. First-time MLAs like Iqbal Hussain (Ramanagara), Basavaraj Shivagange (Channagiri) and Nayana Motamma (Mudigere) are unlikely to be inducted into the ministry in the initial phase. Party sources suggest they could instead be accommodated in key boards and corporations.
CLP passes resolution thanking Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday passed a resolution thanking outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for “his distinguished service to the People of Karnataka as also to the Congress”. “The people and Congress workers shall always remember with great fondness and pride his tenure as Chief Minister from 2013-2018, 2023-2026, and as Leader of Opposition on two occasions.
His dedication to Social Justice, ability in Governance, commitment to party ideology, and absolute faith in the Party Leadership is an example to emulate for every Congressman,” the resolution stated. The resolution stated that the Congress and the government will always be guided by the same ideals. “We thank him from the bottom of our hearts and look for his continued participation and guidance in the Congress Governments’ quest for serving the people of Karnataka and ushering in transformative development in every sector and lasting change in the lives of fellow Kannadigas,” it stated.
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