Bengaluru: The Congress is finalising a significant leadership transition in Karnataka, with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expected to be sworn in as the state’s next chief minister on June 3. The move comes as part of a broader organisational and governance overhaul being planned by the party leadership.
According to party sources, around eight to ten ministers are likely to take oath alongside Shivakumar during the initial swearing-in ceremony. A larger cabinet expansion is expected after June 18, once the Rajya Sabha election process is completed.
The transition follows the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and is aimed at ensuring continuity in governance while preparing the party for future electoral challenges. Sources indicate that discussions regarding the new cabinet and power-sharing arrangements are still underway.
Senior Congress leaders held consultations in New Delhi, where Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. During the discussions, Siddaramaiah is understood to have conveyed that he had fulfilled his commitment to step down, paving the way for the leadership change.
A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party has been scheduled in Bengaluru, where legislators are expected to formally elect the new leader. Senior party observers will oversee the process before the swearing-in date is officially announced.
The Congress is also considering a major cabinet reshuffle, with nearly half the ministerial positions potentially going to new faces. Party leaders believe the move will inject fresh energy into the government and strengthen preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections.
Another proposal under discussion is a modified version of the historic “Kamaraj Plan,” under which ministers who have completed three years in office may be assigned organisational responsibilities within the party to strengthen grassroots structures.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that Y S Sharmila is being considered for a Rajya Sabha seat from Karnataka, although a final decision has not yet been taken. The party is also exploring the possibility of appointing up to four deputy chief ministers to ensure regional, social and caste representation in the new administration.
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