There are likely to be two deputy chief ministers and a politically significant role in the reconstituted Karnataka government that is set to be led by DK Shivakumar, as he takes over the leadership from outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after three years in power.
Internal details of the series of meetings held by the Congress to decide the government formation with Shivakumar as chief ministers revealed that Siddaramaiah, who resigned on Thursday, had sought the key post for his son Yatindra.
A formal announcement on Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister is expected after the Congress Legislative Council party meeting to be held at 4 pm today at Vidana Soudha in Bengaluru. Track latest Karnataka CM news here
Since the Congress won the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, there has been constant talk of a power-sharing arrangement between CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy Shivakumar, which was reportedly endorsed by the party’s central leadership, and which could involve a transfer of power after two-and-a-half years.
Karnataka Cabinet Renewal | Interior details
Shivakumar was sworn in on June 3: The Congress legislature party is expected to formally elect D K Shivakumar as its leader at the Vidhana Soudha meeting at 4 pm on Saturday, after which preparations for the celebration are likely to continue as he will take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister. He is expected to be sworn in on June 3, HT has learnt.
-Satish Jarkiholi to be Deputy Prime Minister? The new government with Shivakumar as chief minister will have two deputy chief ministers, with the post offered to Satish Jarkiholi. There is no information about his acceptance yet, people familiar with the matter said.
– The treasury dock of Ibn Siddaramaiah most likely: HT has learnt that Siddaramaiah’s son Yatindra is set to be a minister in the Karnataka government which Shivakumar will lead as chief minister. Photos released after a series of meetings on Friday showed Siddaramaiah’s son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, alongside senior Congress leaders, raising speculation about his possible entry into the government. While some reports suggested he could be nominated for the deputy prime minister’s post, leaders involved in the talks indicated that Yatindra is likely to be appointed as a cabinet minister.
– The “politically important” role sought by Yatendra: “Siddaramaiah wants Yatindra in a politically important department. The social welfare portfolio is among the options under discussion,” HT quoted a leader familiar with the talks as saying. The Social Welfare Department, which oversees programs for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, is one of the most influential portfolios in the state government.
– DKS supporters resist Dor Seda’s proposal: Siddaramaiah sought a broader coordination mechanism linking the Congress organization with the state government, people familiar with the matter said. “The BJP in Karnataka has a state president but also has a coordination committee headed by BS Yediyurappa, which acts as an advisory body. Something is needed along the same lines,” a senior leader familiar with the discussions said on Friday. Leaders allied with Shivakumar are understood to have opposed the proposal, arguing that it could create parallel power centers in Bengaluru after the transfer of power. According to party leaders, the Congress high command is yet to approve the proposal.
