Even as the Congress leadership moved closer to formalising Karnataka’s next government, competing demands for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post surfaced in Bengaluru on Saturday, adding a fresh layer of political pressure ahead of the legislature party meeting expected to endorse DK Shivakumar as the state’s next Chief Minister.
With senior Congress leaders arriving in the city for consultations and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled later in the day, community groups and party supporters stepped up lobbying efforts for key positions in the new dispensation. The developments come days after Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister and amid expectations that a new cabinet structure will be announced soon.
At Kempegowda International Airport, leaders of the Madara Mahasabha and several Dalit organisations staged a protest demanding that former minister KH Muniyappa be appointed Deputy Chief Minister. The demonstrators gathered at Terminal 1 carrying posters and sought to submit a memorandum to AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, who arrived in Bengaluru for the day’s meetings.
The protesters argued that the Madiga community had historically been overlooked for top political posts in Karnataka and said the community deserved representation at the highest levels of government.
They warned that ignoring the demand could politically damage Congress and claimed the community would respond electorally if its concerns were not addressed.
Community groups push for Deputy CM representation
Pressure was not limited to Dalit organisations.
Supporters of senior Congress leader Ishwar Khandre also pressed for Deputy Chief Minister representation from the Lingayat community. Guru Basava Pattadevaru, along with supporters, urged the party leadership to consider Khandre for the position.
Speaking to ANI, Guru Basava Pattadevaru said the Lingayat community expected adequate representation in the new government and warned of political consequences if its demand was ignored.
Meanwhile, KH Muniyappa remained cautious when asked about the ongoing discussions.
“Some are proposing, some are seconding. This is the procedure, and we cannot say anything beyond that. But the process will be completed by this evening,” Muniyappa told ANI.
Congress leaders arrive in Bengaluru ahead of key meeting
Senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bengaluru ahead of a series of meetings linked to government formation and cabinet expansion.
The leaders are expected to hold consultations before the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting at Vidhan Soudha later in the day.
Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi, who met DK Shivakumar at his residence, expressed confidence that the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief would take over as Chief Minister.
“After Siddaramaiah’s resignation, it is certain that DK Shivakumar will be the CM. There is no doubt about it. High command has decided that DK Shivakumar will be our next CM,” Jarkiholi told ANI.
He said the party hoped to continue the developmental work undertaken during Siddaramaiah’s tenure and described the transition as an important challenge for the incoming leadership.
CLP meeting expected to formalise leadership change
Ahead of the meeting, Congress MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan also strongly backed Shivakumar’s candidature.
“The CLP meeting has been called for 4:00 PM today. Senior leaders Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, Randeep Surjewala, and all elected MLAs will be present. As dedicated party lawmakers, we will select our leader today,” Pathan told reporters.
Highlighting Shivakumar’s long association with the party, Pathan said the senior leader’s four decades of work for Congress made him the natural choice for the top post.
The CLP meeting assumes significance as it comes after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers. Siddaramaiah has been asked to continue until alternative arrangements are finalised.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met senior Congress leaders in New Delhi on Friday to discuss the leadership transition and the shape of the next cabinet.
While the Chief Minister’s position appears headed towards a conclusion, negotiations over Deputy Chief Minister posts and cabinet representation are likely to remain central to the day’s political discussions.