The wait for a decision on new Cabinet formation in Karnataka has been pushed by a day. After the much-awaited discussion of senior Congress leaders involving Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday evening was postponed, the leaders are likely to meet on Tuesday morning.

While the swearing in ceremony of the newly-elected Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled for Wednesday evening, entire Congress leadership from Karnataka seems to have shifted to Delhi for lobbying for Cabinet berths.

Though Mr. Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reached Delhi by afternoon, the meeting of all important central leaders scheduled for Monday could not take place since Mr. Gandhi returned to the capital late in the evening, sources said, adding that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal met to discuss Karnataka developments.

It is learnt that Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar also met Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala with their list of preferences for Cabinet berths. The outgoing Chief Minister is also learnt to have met Mr. Venugopal separately, while Mr. Shivakumar too is expected to meet them.

Size and composition

The size and composition of the Cabinet, along with other issues – such as having Deputy Chief Ministers, and a coordination committee, a demand that has come from the outgoing Chief Minister’s camp – is to be discussed.

Another source said that the party is likely to keep about four Cabinet berths vacant after the Cabinet formation is completed in phases. “With such large number of leaders seeking Cabinet berth, it is likely that four berths could be kept vacant to accommodate leaders if trouble engulfs the government with dissidence,” the source said.

Yathindra says

Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLC, one of the strong contenders for a Cabinet berth, told reporters that he was not looking for the post of Deputy Chief Minister. When asked about his prospects of getting into the Cabinet, he said, “Last time when I met the high command, Mr. Rahul Gandhi has assured me that my interest will be taken care of and will be taken into the Cabinet. So, I am hopeful. I will be happy with whatever portfolio is given.”

On the suggestions of having coordination committee to be headed by Mr. Siddaramaiah, he said, “It was a suggestion in the last meeting. But there will be a detailed discussion on it and only then will we come to know the advantages and disadvantages of it.”

Meanwhile, a large number of legislators – both members of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council – are camping in Delhi to lobby with senior leaders for Cabinet berths. “Many of those who were in Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet as well as those who have been seeking Cabinet berths in the last few months are in Delhi,” sources said.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Mr. Kharge in Delhi, former Minister Ishwar Khandre said that he had given a “report card” of his performance to the Congress president. “Whatever responsibility high commands gives me, I will discharge my duty sincerely and honestly in the interest of the party and government.”