MYSURU: As the countdown for the much-awaited cabinet formation of the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition government begins, the Congress which initially wanted to accommodate more new faces in the ministry, is being compelled to do a rethink and ensure a ideal balance of seniors and younger faces.
Deputy Chief Minster G Parameshwara, former Chief Minister Siddaraamaiah, KPCC Campaign Committee chief D K Shivakumar, party veteran Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal are expected to discuss the issue with AICC president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Monday.
The state leaders are heading for the meeting, which is likely to be held on Monday evening, with a list of ministerial probables of the party. Rahul is expected to finalise the list and also allocation of portfolios to pave the way for the new ministers to take oath on Wednesday.
Many senior leaders and former ministers have conveyed their displeasure to former CM Siddaramaiah against the proposal to draft many of them for party work and induct more fresh faces into the ministry. The seniors have reportedly requested Siddaramaiah to convey their concerns effectively to Rahul. They have stated that the party could pay a heavy price during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls should it sideline seniors now, by way of dissidence within the party.
Also, the move to leave seniors out of the ministry will look like Congress is bending further backwards to please former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minster H D Kumaraswamy, after having already ceded plum portfolios like Power and Finance to the JD(S). The coalition partner will then have a free run, and maybe bulldoze its agenda, and also take all credit for work executed by the government. A few senior leaders of the party have approached former chief minister Siddaramaiah and senior Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge requesting them to “see sense”.
Ministers who served the Siddaramaiah government and enjoyed his confidence are hoping that he will be able to prevail on the party high command to get their names approved for ministerial berths. Some say being a soft person that he is, Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara lacks the aggression required to tackle JD(S) leaders in times of crisis and on core issues that may go against the Congress.
Most generally believe any hasty decision to keep seniors out of the ministry will put the government in trouble as they need seniors and efficient ministers with experience to take on the strong Opposition headed by B S Yeddyurappa. They have also the responsibility of continuing too many ‘Bhagya’ welfare programmes, Indira canteens and others that are launched by the previous Siddaramaiah government.
A senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity, said that they want seniors in ministry to defend the previous government programmes and policies as Deve Gowda-Kumaraswamy may take credit for all the good work in the coalition government that will put Congress party and workers in greater trouble in future.Sources said that they will also have preliminary discussion on appointment of the new KPCC president that may happen anytime to prepare the party for the Lok Sabha elections.
What’s their argument
Senior and experienced ministers can counter opposition
To have a say on core issues
They can prevent HDK and JD(S) from taking mileage for all good work
They can shoulder the responsibility of continuing welfare programmes launched by the Siddu govt
In their absence, Congress could pay a heavy price in the Lok Sabha polls