Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar on Monday arrived in New Delhi to meet the Congress high command ahead of his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 3.
Speaking to reporters on arrival, Shivakumar extended greetings to the people of Karnataka. “My good wishes to Karnataka. The people of Karnataka had been waiting for a long time,” he said.
Shivakumar and outgoing caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are expected to hold discussions with senior Congress leaders on cabinet formation and other political developments in the state. The talks are likely to focus on the allocation of portfolios and induction of new faces into the cabinet, with indications that several ministers from the previous Siddaramaiah government may not be retained.
Speculation is also underway over a possible cabinet role for Yathindra Siddaramaiah, while sources suggest the Congress leadership is considering a mix of experienced and new legislators in the upcoming ministry.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah has also proposed the formation of a coordination committee in the state, though the suggestion is yet to receive approval from the high command. Discussions are also expected on the possibility of appointing one or more Deputy Chief Ministers.
In addition, a senior party functionary indicated that the Congress is considering an OBC leader for the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, given that Shivakumar is set to assume office as Chief Minister. The move is seen as part of the party’s effort to balance organisational and governance responsibilities ahead of the 2029 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka Naseer Hussain said the party leadership will take final decisions on power-sharing and cabinet composition, keeping in mind caste, community, and regional balance.
“The transition has been very smooth. When DK Shivakumar takes oath, the Council of Ministers will also be sworn in. The high command will decide the size of the cabinet and the question of Deputy Chief Ministers,” he said.
Shivakumar, who has served as Deputy Chief Minister for three years, is set to take oath as Chief Minister on June 3 at a ceremony in Bengaluru.
(With inputs from ANI)
