Karnataka cabinet formation: Siddaramaiah, leaders huddle in Delhi

Karnataka caretaker CM Siddaramaiah and other state leaders are in Delhi to finalize the new cabinet with the party high command. The meetings come ahead of CM-designate DK Shivakumar's swearing-in ceremony, amid intense lobbying for ministerial berths.

As Karnataka gears up for a cabinet formation, Karnataka caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited 'Saravana Bhavan' in the national capital along with several state leaders to have breakfast. All the meeting MLAs, in the absence of Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar, interacted with the outgoing CM. Among those present were Satish Jarkiholi and MC Sudhakar.

Cabinet Formation Huddle in Delhi

The outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had stepped down on May 28, stating that his resignation was "voluntary" and based on the suggestion of the party high command. Senior Congress leaders from Karnataka have converged in Delhi as the party high command, along with outgoing CM Siddaramaiah and CM designate DK Shivakumar, meet to give final shape to the new cabinet in the state. A decision on ministerial berths and the Deputy CM will be taken during the course of the meetings.

The swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday (June 3) at 4:00 pm. Karnataka caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also meeting Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge ahead of DK Shivakumar's swearing-in ceremony as the Chief Minister. When asked what the agenda would be during his meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge, he said, "I don't know."

Lobbying Intensifies for Cabinet Berths

Speculation is rife that several ministers from the outgoing Siddaramaiah cabinet may be dropped to make way for fresh leadership. However, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of the outgoing Chief Minister, confidently stated that Rahul Gandhi previously assured him of a cabinet induction. Earlier today, Karnataka Congress MLA Priyank Kharge also met the party's national president in the national capital amid speculation that Priyank Kharge would likely be given the Top Post in the new state cabinet formation.

The meeting comes as a massive political huddle is underway in the national capital, as top Congress leaders and ministerial hopefuls from Karnataka have flocked to New Delhi to lobby for coveted cabinet berths. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)