BENGALURU: As outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah left for Delhi on Thursday evening to express gratitude to the Congress high command, including Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, the CM-in-waiting DK Shivakumar too followed him, sparking speculation.
Sources said Shivakumar is planning to convince both Siddaramaiah and the party high command to induct the latter’s MLC son Dr Yathindra as deputy chief minister into his new cabinet to ensure stability to the new government, more like an “insurance” against those angered by Siddaramaiah’s resignation as CM.
Siddaramaiah, who rejected the party high command’s offer for him to move to Rajya Sabha, had his own reservations when Rahul offered the DCM post to his son. But now, he may accept the deal, which could placate his supporters – especially the Kuruba community – who could not digest their leader handing over power, sources said.
Before the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are likely to complete the cabinet formation plans with the approval of the party high command.
More new faces likely in Shivakumar’s cabinet
Besides Rahul, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s nod too would be crucial as his son and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge could also be considered for DCM, raising questions over the number of DCMs Shivakumar would have. As for the cabinet, more new faces are likely to be inducted besides retaining the heavyweights like KJ George, MB Patil, Dr G Parameshwara, Krishna Byre Gowda, Zameer Ahmed Khan and Byrathi Suresh, among others, sources said.
Parameshwara is looking for the industries department, but sources said he could be offered the Speaker’s post. Sources said the new faces being considered for cabinet berths include Hanagal MLA Srinivas Mane, MLCs BK Hariprasad and Saleem Ahmed, Narasimharaja constituency MLA Tanvir Sait, and Speaker UT Khader, sources said. Senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy told TNIE, “We will get clarity on the CLP meeting by Friday.
The process may take a day or two, and we expect the swearing-in ceremony to happen on June 1.” Another Congress leader said the transition of power is being handled smoothly. “Now it also depends on Shi- vakumar consulting astrologers,” the leader said. The leaders are expected to discuss the number of deputy cms, cabinet portfolios and the appointment of a new KPCC president, as the post would fall vacant if Shivakumar assumes office as CM.
