Cabinet Formula In Focus As Shivakumar And Siddaramaiah Arrive In Delhi Before Oath Ceremony

New Delhi: The process of transfer of power in Karnataka has now reached the final stage. Incoming Chief Minister DK Shivkumar and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah reached Delhi. The tussle over the new government and cabinet has started with the high command. Shivkumar will take oath as CM on June 3. But the biggest headache before them is who to keep in the cabinet and whom to leave.

Is there a long line of contenders for ministerial post?

A forum of Congress leaders has been organized in Delhi. From MLAs to big leaders, they are reaching out to ask for ministerial posts. The inner truth is that there are many contenders, but only a few seats are available. Making everyone happy has become a difficult task for the high command.

How many ministers will there be in the cabinet? 

The law says that a maximum of 34 ministers including the CM can be made in Karnataka. All the tension is around this 34. The party has to see whom to take in the name of experience, whom to consider loyal to the organization, which area to represent and how to settle the caste arithmetic.

Will there be a mix of new and old faces?

According to sources, along with experienced leaders, some new faces may also be given a chance in the new cabinet. Along with achieving regional and caste balance, the party is also considering loyalty to the organization as an important criterion. For this reason, there is confusion regarding the return of many present ministers.

Can more than one deputy chief minister be made?

There is also a strong discussion in the political circles that more than one deputy chief minister can be made in the new government. However, the final decision on this has to be taken by the Congress high command. The party is currently considering all options so that adequate representation can be given to different sections and regions.

Is Yatindra's name also discussed?

The name of Siddaramaiah's son and Legislative Council member Yathindra Siddaramaiah is also in discussion in the list of possible ministers. Before leaving for Delhi, he indicated that he had received positive assurance from the party leadership. However, no name has been officially confirmed until the final list is released.

When will the decision be taken on the state Congress president?

As soon as he becomes CM, DK Shivkumar will have to leave the post of state president. Now the party is looking for a new boss. This will also be discussed in the Delhi meeting. DK Shivkumar will take oath on June 3 at 4:05 pm. Now everyone's eyes are on who will become the minister with him. It remains to be seen how the mathematics of caste, region and factionalism are set in the new government.