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

Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah arrived in New Delhi on Monday for what could be the most crucial round of discussions ahead of the formation of the new state government. The meeting with the Congress high command is expected to focus on Cabinet formation, portfolio allocation, key organisational appointments and the possibility of appointing one or more deputy chief ministers as part of a broader caste and regional balancing exercise.The two leaders travelled together from Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah's son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah is also expected to be in Delhi, adding to speculation over his possible role in the new political arrangement. The Congress Legislature Party recently elected

Shivakumar as its leader, paving the way for him to take over as Karnataka's next Chief Minister. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has already invited him to form the government, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 3 in Bengaluru.

Deputy CM Formula, Cabinet Berths Under Spotlight

Even as intense lobbying continues within the Karnataka Congress, the final shape of the Cabinet remains undecided. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has made it clear that the party leadership has not yet received a formal proposal regarding the size of the ministry or the appointment of deputy chief ministers.“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,” Kharge said while speaking in Kalaburagi.His remarks have fuelled speculation that the Congress leadership is still weighing multiple options to accommodate competing power centres and caste groups within the party. Kharge also hinted that the Cabinet could be formed in phases, suggesting that not all ministerial positions may be filled immediately.“We do not know whether they will propose eight or 10 ministers. Once the proposal comes, it will be considered accordingly,” he said.The Congress leadership is facing increasing pressure from various communities and regional leaders seeking representation in the new government. Supporters of senior Congress leader MB Patil have intensified their demand for either the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president's post or a deputy chief ministership for the influential Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.Senior leader Satish Jarkiholi has also indicated that discussions on social representation and power-sharing are expected to take place over the next two days.Leaders from several districts, including Kolar, have also reached out to Shivakumar, demanding adequate representation for Scheduled Castes, Vokkaligas and other regional communities in the new government.According to party insiders, ensuring a balance between caste, community and regional interests remains one of the biggest challenges before the Congress leadership.Another issue likely to feature prominently during the Delhi talks is the proposed coordination committee between the government and the party organisation. According to reports, Siddaramaiah has favoured the creation of such a mechanism to facilitate coordination and decision-making, although the proposal has not yet received formal approval from the Congress high command.The committee is being viewed as a possible tool to maintain internal harmony and ensure smoother functioning between different power centres within the party.

Race Begins For New Karnataka Congress Chief

Beyond government formation, organisational restructuring is also expected to be discussed. With Shivakumar set to become Chief Minister, the Congress will need to appoint a new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.Sources cited by ANI suggest the party may choose an OBC leader for the role as part of its broader social engineering strategy ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.Several Congress MLAs, including Sharan Prakash Patil, Raghavendra Hitnal and Basanagouda Daddesh, are also in Delhi to engage with the leadership on both government and organisational appointments.Siddaramaiah's Next Chapter Closely WatchedWhile attention remains focused on Shivakumar's swearing-in, political observers are equally keen to see what role Siddaramaiah will play after the transition.Rajya Sabha MP Naseer Hussain indicated that the veteran leader has no plans to move away from Karnataka politics and will continue to play an active role in shaping both the government and the party.“He has always been interested in state politics. The more active he remains, the more it will help the Congress party and the government,” Hussain said.