DK Shivakumar Begins Cabinet Consultations Amid Tight Security in Sadashivanagar
Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar commenced high-level consultations on cabinet formation at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, on Sunday. The discussions began just a day after he was chosen to lead the Congress Legislature Party, triggering intense lobbying from party leaders and MLAs seeking ministerial berths.
Following his selection, Shivakumar's residence has turned into the state's central political hub. In response to the heavy influx of visitors, authorities significantly tightened security in the area. Large numbers of police personnel were deployed, and access was restricted for both party workers and the general public.
A steady stream of senior Congress leaders, former ministers, and legislators visited the designated Chief Minister to offer congratulations and present their claims for positions in the upcoming government. Among the visitors were former ministers MB Patil, Santosh Lad, Priyank Kharge, Madhu Bangarappa, KH Muniyappa, and TB Jayachandra.
Several MLAs, including Puttarangashetty, Ashok Pattan, KY Nanjegowda, and Ganesh Hukkeri, also met with Shivakumar during the consultations.
To resolve the mounting pressure from cabinet aspirants, Shivakumar is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on Monday. He will hold discussions with the Congress high command to finalise the swearing-in ceremony details and the composition of his first cabinet. The party leadership is expected to deliberate on the number of ministers to induct in the first phase, aiming to maintain representation across different regions, communities, and factions.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also scheduled to depart for New Delhi on Monday morning to hold discussions with senior Congress leaders regarding representation for his supporters in the new cabinet.
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that decisions regarding deputy chief minister posts and ministerial appointments are yet to be finalised by the party leadership. Shivakumar maintained that the final decision rests entirely with the high command, stating he has not yet received final information regarding the cabinet.
The official oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 3, with the party expected to finalise the initial list of ministers before the event.
