With the Congress leadership deciding the formation of the new Karnataka government, which will be formed under the leadership of DK Shivakumar, party leader Yatindra Siddaramaiah, son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said he has received assurances from Rahul Gandhi that he will be appointed to the Cabinet.
Yatendra Siddaramaiah said he was not looking at a specific portfolio. When asked if he was eyeing the position of deputy prime minister, he said “no.”
“The last time I visited the high command, Rahul Gandhi said my interest will be taken care of. He said I will be appointed in the cabinet, so I am optimistic. Whatever the ministry is, I will be happy,” Yatendra Siddaramaiah said.
Shivakumar was elected leader of the Karnataka Legislative Congress Party on Saturday after Siddaramaiah resigned from the post of chief minister.
Shivakumar, who is the chief minister-designate of Karnataka, arrived in the national capital on Monday to meet the Congress high command ahead of his swearing-in ceremony scheduled on June 3.
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Speaking to reporters on his arrival, Shivakumar extended his good wishes to the people of Karnataka. “My good wishes to Karnataka. The people of Karnataka have been waiting for a long time.”
Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are expected to hold a meeting with the Congress high command in New Delhi on Monday regarding the formation of the government. Sources said Siddharamiah suggested forming a coordination committee in the state.
Sources said that a discussion will also be held on the appointments of deputy chief ministers. They said that the party leadership is considering an OBC candidate for the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.
Speaking to ANI, Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, Naseer Hussain, said the party leadership will take necessary decisions regarding transfer of power.
He added that the party will form the government taking into account the class, community, social and regional balance.
“The transfer of power in Karnataka has been very smooth. When he (DK Shivakumar) takes oath, the Cabinet will also take oath. The high command will now decide how many leaders will take oath, and whether there will be deputy chief ministers or not. DK Shivakumar will take oath at Raj Bhavan on the 3rd from 4 pm, along with the Cabinet,” he said.
