Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar In Delhi: Congress Races To Defuse Karnataka Power Tensions

Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah traveled to New Delhi on Monday for high-stakes meetings with the Congress high command. The discussions will focus on Cabinet formation, portfolio allocation, and the potential appointment of deputy chief ministers to balance caste and regional interests. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has invited Shivakumar to form the government, with the swearing-in ceremony set for June 3 in Bengaluru. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated no formal proposal regarding the ministry size or deputy chief minister appointments has been received yet. He suggested the Cabinet might be formed in phases, with discussions pending on whether to appoint eight or ten ministers. Kharge also hinted at creating additional chairmanships to accommodate competing factions within the party. Internal pressure is mounting from leaders like MB Patil, whose supporters demand either the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidency or a deputy chief ministership for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Other regional leaders, including those from Kolar district, have also sought representation for Scheduled Castes, Vokkaligas, and other groups in the new government. Siddaramaiah has proposed a coordination committee between the government and party organization to streamline decision-making, though this has not yet been approved by the Congress high command. The committee aims to maintain internal harmony amid differing power centers within the party. The Congress Legislature Party recently elected Shivakumar as its leader, paving the way for his Chief Ministership. However, finalizing the Cabinet remains a challenge due to competing demands and the need to balance diverse interests. The Delhi talks are expected to address these issues over the next two days.