Lobbying on for vacant berth in Karnataka Cabinet as CM Shivakumar to meet LoP Gandhi

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is in Delhi for discussions with Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders over a vacant Cabinet berth and possible ministerial changes. Lobbying has intensified over caste, regional, community and gender representation, while Minister B Nagendra’s resignation remains under consideration 

Bengaluru/New Delhi:  With one Cabinet berth still vacant in Karnataka, hectic lobbying has intensified within the ruling Congress, with senior leaders pushing for representation based on caste, region, community and gender equations.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has travelled to Delhi on Thursday and is expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss the Cabinet’s composition, including the vacant berth and the possibility of Minister for Planning and Statistics, B Nagendra, resigning amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged tribal welfare irregularities case.

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CM Shivakumar has sought an appointment with Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, at noon.

The discussions are also expected to involve AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Senior MLA Basavaraj Shivannavar is among the prominent names being backed by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Shivannavar, a senior Congress leader, is being considered for a Cabinet berth as part of efforts to maintain a balance in representation.

The name of four-time Bengaluru MLA M Krishnappa is also being discussed, while Shivakumar is understood to be considering several other names. The government is also under pressure to provide representation to a woman leader.

MLA Annapoorna Tukaram and MLA Kampli Ganesh are among the names being considered in the current discussions. The issue of representation to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community could gain further significance if Nagendra resigns.

The BJP and JD(S) have been conducting continuous protests demanding his resignation, alleging his involvement in the alleged tribal welfare case. Nagendra has maintained that he is being targeted and has indicated his willingness to step down if directed by the party high command.

The Congress had earlier announced the name of senior leader and MLC Gayathri Shantegowda in the list of ministers, but she was later not called for the swearing-in ceremony. Her exclusion has continued to fuel uncertainty over the Cabinet’s final composition.

Sources said Siddaramaiah is unhappy over what he considers disproportionate representation to Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders and inadequate representation to minorities. The former Chief Minister is understood to have conveyed his preference to the party high command for the induction of Basavaraj Shivannavar.

Despite the additional time given to Shivakumar to settle the Cabinet composition, questions over balance and representation remain.

Meanwhile, discussions are also reportedly underway over the possible resignation of some ministers, raising hopes among several senior Congress leaders that they could get an opportunity to enter the Cabinet.

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Minister Nagendra have also reached Delhi amid the latest developments.

Sources said Nagendra has carried files and documents related to the tribal welfare case. He is also understood to have brought details concerning cases involving BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and former minister B Sriramulu.

According to Congress sources, Nagendra could resign if the party high command directs him to do so. Sources further said that if the high command gives its approval, the Congress is also considering organising a counter-protest march to respond to the BJP’s agitation demanding Nagendra’s resignation.

The final decision on the Cabinet vacancy, Nagendra’s future and the broader reshuffle is expected to be taken after discussions with the Congress central leadership in Delhi.