DK Shivakumar meets Karnataka Governor Gehlot ahead of CLP meeting

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar, who is widely tipped to be the next Chief Minister of the state, on Saturday (May 30) met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. The meeting comes ahead of his possible election as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party this evening.

According to sources, Shivakumar met the Governor to informally discuss the swearing-in of the new CM and council of Ministers, as the latter is expected to leave for Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district later in the day to attend the Vice President's event there on Sunday (May 31).

While sources suggest that the swearing-in could take place on Sunday or Monday (June 1), there are also reports that it may be scheduled later next week, probably on Wednesday (June 3). Official confirmation is awaited. There are expectations that a few Ministers may also be sworn in.

Deliberations are underway regarding whether the swearing-in should take place at Lok Bhavan or on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, sources said. However, preparatory work was spotted near Vidhana Soudha.

Siddaramaiah may propose Shivakumar’s name

DK Shivakumar, who served as Deputy CM under Siddaramaiah, is widely expected to be elected as the new leader of the CLP.

Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister was accepted and the Council of Ministers was dissolved by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday (May 29).

Also Read: DK Shivakumar looks set to become Karnataka CM; what next for Siddaramaiah?

All Congress lawmakers have been asked to attend the CLP meeting at 4 pm in Vidhana Soudha's conference hall, which will be overseen by AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala.

According to sources, Siddaramaiah himself will propose Shivakumar as the new CLP leader, or a one-line resolution may be passed authorising the Congress high command to choose the next leader.

New Cabinet to strike a balance

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held discussions with the Congress leadership in Delhi on Friday regarding the modalities of the new Cabinet and the transition of power. Lobbying has been intensified by ministerial aspirants in New Delhi before the high command.

While some ministers from the dissolved council of Ministers are trying to secure their positions in the new Cabinet, legislators hoping for a Cabinet berth this time have also reached the national capital.

According to sources, there are indications that the new Cabinet will have a mix of both old and new members. Efforts will be made to strike a balance by ensuring representation while keeping caste equations, regions, and Siddaramaiah loyalists in mind.

Also Read: DK Shivakumar as CM: Can Congress's 'troubleshooter' win 2028 election?

Speculation is rife that there may be multiple Deputy CMs, and many ministers from the Siddaramaiah cabinet may not be retained. According to party sources, deliberations on the cabinet exercise are still ongoing with the party leadership.

Siddaramaiah's son and MLC Yathindra, accompanying his father to meet the Congress high command in Delhi on Friday, has also led to speculation about his induction into the Cabinet.

Talks are also ongoing regarding the new state Congress President, a post currently held by Shivakumar. Senior MLA and former Minister Satish Jarkiholi is said to be the frontrunner for the post.