Congress high command in final round of talks as DK Shivakumar’s cabinet takes shape

Intense consultations are underway in the national capital as the Congress leadership moves closer to finalizing the composition of the first cabinet under incoming Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, with key decisions expected on ministerial berths, deputy chief ministers and the Assembly Speaker before the swearing-in ceremony.

‎Senior Congress leaders, including Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, have been holding a series of meetings with the party high command to iron out the final contours of the new government amid competing claims from various factions and aspirants.

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According to party sources, the Congress party is likely to announce an initial list of 8 to 10 ministers who will take the oath alongside Shivakumar in the first phase. The remaining cabinet positions are expected to be filled later this month after further consultations.

‎”The leadership is working towards ensuring social, regional and political balance in the cabinet. Discussions are focused on accommodating key communities and maintaining unity within the party,” a senior Congress leader familiar with the deliberations said.
‎Sources said one of the most sensitive issues under discussion is the appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers. Leaders aligned with Siddaramaiah are understood to be advocating for multiple Deputy CM posts, including representation for Dalit leaders and other influential social groups, while the high command is attempting to strike a balance that avoids fresh factional tensions.

‎”The effort is to create an inclusive power-sharing arrangement that reflects Karnataka’s diverse social composition and also respects the contributions of senior leaders from different regions,” another source said.

‎The selection of the Assembly Speaker is also being discussed as part of the broader exercise to ensure equitable caste and regional representation in the new dispensation.
‎Meanwhile, dozens of Congress MLAs, MLCs and senior leaders have converged in New Delhi in recent days to lobby for ministerial positions. As per reports several senior leaders are believed to be in contention for key portfolios, including G Parameshwara, M B Patil, K J George, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, K H Muniyappa, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan and Satish Jarkiholi.

‎Party insiders said Satish Jarkiholi remains among the prominent names being considered for a Deputy Chief Minister’s post as the leadership weighs caste equations and regional representation.

‎At the same time, younger leaders and new faces could also find a place in the cabinet. Sources indicated that Yathindra Siddaramaiah and A S Ponnanna are among those being discussed for significant responsibilities in the new government, reflecting the party’s effort to blend experience with generational change.

‎The cabinet formation process has acquired added political significance as it comes amid efforts by the Congress leadership to manage expectations following its leadership transition in Karnataka. While Shivakumar is set to assume the chief ministership, the party is keen to ensure that Siddaramaiah’s supporters receive adequate representation in the government structure.

‎Political observers note that the final composition of the cabinet will offer the clearest indication yet of how the Congress intends to balance competing power centres within the party while preparing for future electoral challenges.
‎”The first list may be limited, but the choices made now will send a strong political message about the leadership’s priorities and the internal balance of power,” a party functionary said.

‎The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held on Wednesday after the final round of consultations concludes, with the Congress leadership hoping to project a united front and provide a stable start to the Shivakumar administration.