Two More Deputy CMs Under Consideration As Congress Delays Karnataka Cabinet Expansion

New Delhi: The Congress high command is learnt to be considering the appointment of two more Deputy Chief Ministers in Karnataka as part of the long-awaited cabinet expansion, a move that could increase the number of Deputy CMs in the state from one to three.

According to party sources, the leadership is exploring the possibility of accommodating one senior Lingayat leader and one leader representing the AHINDA (minorities, backward classes and Dalits) social coalition in the deputy chief ministerial positions to strengthen caste and regional representation within the government.

Sources indicated that Industries Minister M.B. Patil and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi are among the leading contenders for the two proposed Deputy Chief Minister posts, although no final decision has been taken.

The high command is also said to have discussed the allocation of ministerial berths to various communities. Sources said the party is inclined to allocate three cabinet positions to Muslim legislators. The leadership is also considering giving opportunities to first-time MLAs, young legislators serving their second or third terms, while reserving the remaining berths for senior and experienced lawmakers.

The cabinet expansion, however, has been delayed after senior Congress leaders participated in protests against the alleged police action on students in New Delhi on Tuesday. As a result, discussions on the Karnataka cabinet could not be concluded.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, AICC Working Committee member Siddaramaiah and KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad were in the national capital to hold the final round of consultations with the Congress high command. Meetings with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal were initially scheduled but were postponed due to the party's protest programme near the Prime Minister's residence.

Sources said Shivakumar urged the party leadership to finalise the list of ministers so that the cabinet expansion could take place immediately. However, the high command reportedly decided against an immediate swearing-in.

Party leaders are expected to return to Bengaluru on Wednesday, with the cabinet expansion now likely to take place before the upcoming Karnataka Legislature session, after the high command finalises the composition of the new council of ministers.