Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah push lists of preferred names for new Karnataka cabinet

The formation of Karnataka's new cabinet is gaining momentum as chief minister-designate DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have submitted their preferred lists of ministerial candidates. The lists were presented to Congress state in-charge Randeep Surjewala ahead of the scheduled June 3 swearing-in ceremony.

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My good wishes to Karnataka. They (the people of Karnataka) all had been waiting for a long time.

A high-level meeting is planned for Tuesday, bringing together key Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, general secretary K C Venugopal, Surjewala, Shivakumar, and Siddaramaiah. This meeting aims to finalize the composition of the new cabinet.

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Last time I visited the high command, Rahul Gandhi said that my interest would be taken care of, and he said I would be inducted into the cabinet, so I’m hopeful. Whatever the portfolio is, I’ll be happy.

Sources indicate that the selection of deputy chief ministers remains a point of contention. Both former home minister G Parameshwara and outgoing minister Priyank Kharge, who is the son of Mallikarjun Kharge, are vying for the position. Both are prominent Dalit leaders, aligning with the party's goal of caste balance in the new government.

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If Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar fail to reach an immediate consensus on the full ministerial list, a smaller council might be sworn in on Wednesday. Additional ministers could be added in subsequent expansions once internal differences are resolved. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra, expressed hope for a cabinet position, though he clarified he is not seeking the deputy chief minister's post.

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I had called DK to congratulate him. He asked if I am at home and came to my house at 5 minutes’ notice. He touched my feet. He invited me for swearing-in. He was very warm and courteous. My wife applied tilak on his forehead. I told him that he should remain chief minister for 7 years, not just two years.