Karnataka Deputy CM Formula On Table? Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar In Delhi As Talks Enter Crucial Phase
Karnataka Deputy CM Formula On Table? Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar In Delhi As Talks Enter Crucial Phase Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 09:05 IST Congress
Karnataka Deputy CM Formula On Table? Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar In Delhi As Talks Enter Crucial Phase Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 09:05 IST Congress leaders have rushed to Delhi as talks intensify over Karnataka Cabinet berths, caste balance and the possibility of multiple deputy chief ministers. Siddaramaiah, front, and DK Shivakumar (Photo: PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah are in New Delhi on Monday for crucial discussions with the Congress high command over the formation of the new Cabinet, allocation of portfolios and key organisational appointments in the state. The meeting comes amid intense lobbying within the Karnataka Congress for ministerial berths and speculation over the possible appointment of one or more deputy chief ministers as part of a social and regional balancing exercise. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah travelled together from Bengaluru to Delhi for consultations with the party leadership. Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah is also expected to be part of the discussions, fuelling speculation about a possible role for him in the new government. The Congress Legislature Party had recently elected Shivakumar as its leader, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has already invited him to form the government, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 3 at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. CABINET FORMULA YET TO BE FINALISED While political circles in Karnataka remain abuzz over the likely composition of the ministry, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has indicated that no final proposal has yet reached the party leadership regarding the size of the Cabinet or the creation of deputy chief minister posts.
Speaking in Kalaburagi, Kharge said discussions on the number of ministers, deputy chief ministers and important chairmanships would begin only after a formal proposal is submitted. “No proposal has come yet. Once the proposal comes, discussions will be held on the number of ministers to be appointed, whether deputy chief ministers should be appointed, and whether important chairmanships should also be created," PTI quoted Kharge as saying. He further hinted that Cabinet formation could happen in phases. “We do not know whether they will propose eight or 10 ministers. Once the proposal comes, it will be considered accordingly," he said, adding that another phase of expansion could follow later. ANI also reported that discussions are expected to cover the appointment of deputy chief ministers and the possible creation of a coordination committee in the state, a proposal said to have been suggested by Siddaramaiah but not yet approved by the Congress high command. Meanwhile, it was also reported that several Congress leaders and caste groups are seeking representation in top posts. According to news agency PTI, supporters of senior Congress leader MB Patil have been demanding either the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president’s post or a deputy chief minister position for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. minister Satish Jarkiholi also indicated that discussions on broader social representation in the government were expected soon. “Discussions regarding broader social representation will take place today or tomorrow," PTI quoted him as saying.
Congress leaders from different districts have also intensified efforts to secure representation in the ministry. Leaders from the Kolar district have reportedly met Shivakumar and demanded representation for the Scheduled Castes, Vokkaligas and regional communities. Rajya Sabha MP Naseer Hussain told ANI that the party leadership would take decisions keeping caste, regional and social balance in mind. “The high command will now decide how many leaders will be sworn in, and whether there will be deputy chief ministers or not," he said. He added that the Council of Ministers would be formed keeping in view “social justice, caste, community and regional balance". NEW KPCC PRESIDENT ALSO ON AGENDA Apart from Cabinet formation, the Congress leadership is also expected to discuss organisational changes in Karnataka. With Shivakumar set to become Chief Minister, the party will need a new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president. ANI, citing sources, reported that the Congress is considering appointing an OBC leader to the role to ensure coordination between the government and the organisation ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Congress MLAs such as Sharan Prakash Patil, Raghavendra Hitnal and Basanagouda Daddesh are also travelling to Delhi to meet the leadership. SIDDARAMAIAH’S ROLE UNDER WATCH Another aspect being closely watched is Siddaramaiah’s future role in Karnataka politics after Shivakumar takes over as Chief Minister. Naseer Hussain told ANI that Siddaramaiah remains deeply interested in state politics and would continue to play an active role in guiding the party and the government.
“He said he has always been interested in state politics. He said he never thought about national politics in that way," Hussain said. “The more active he remains, the more it will help the Congress party and the government." As the Congress leadership weighs competing caste equations, regional aspirations and internal power centres, Monday’s Delhi meeting is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the structure of the new Karnataka government before the June 3 swearing-in ceremony. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: June 01, 2026, 09:05 IST News india Karnataka Deputy CM Formula On Table? Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar In Delhi As Talks Enter Crucial Phase Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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