Kongres razpravlja o dodatnih dyCM delovnih mestih med zamudo v pogajanjih o širitvi kabineta Ktaka

Congress officials are considering the addition of two more deputy chief minister posts to address concerns related to representation among Scheduled Tribes and Lingayats, as delays persist in expanding the Karnataka cabinet. The delay follows a failed attempt to finalize the list of new ministers during consultations in New Delhi on Tuesday, which were disrupted by a protest led by party leaders against the handling of the NEET paper leak incident. The consultation process, aimed at filling approximately 20 ministerial positions, has faced multiple setbacks in recent days. On Tuesday, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad attempted to meet with the Congress high command in New Delhi. However, the meeting was postponed due to the participation of several Congress MPs, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The demonstration was sparked by tensions following a clash between protesters and police during a march to Parliament. The protest, which drew attention to the controversy surrounding the NEET examination papers, temporarily halted the discussions on cabinet expansion. Senior Congress leaders, including Shivakumar, joined the gathering, underscoring the significance of the issue to the party. Despite these disruptions, the state leadership has reportedly reached a broad agreement on the composition of the expanded cabinet, with a focus on balancing seniority, regional representation, and inclusion of diverse groups such as women and members of minority communities. Among the potential candidates for the newly proposed deputy chief minister roles are senior legislators like HK Patil, BR Patil, CS Nadagouda, and former minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. These individuals are being considered for their experience in legislative matters and administrative responsibilities. The selection process is expected to reflect the party’s commitment to addressing caste-based representation and ensuring broader community engagement. In addition to the cabinet expansion, the Congress is also working toward appointing a new Speaker of the Legislative Assembly ahead of the state legislature’s session starting in early August. While the exact timing of the Speaker’s appointment remains uncertain, sources suggest that the decision will involve careful deliberation to ensure political neutrality and institutional integrity. The current administration has also expressed a desire to expedite the appointment of district in-charge ministers, who will oversee efforts to manage the impact of the inadequate monsoon season on agricultural productivity. This initiative aims to provide immediate relief to affected regions and improve coordination among local authorities. Meanwhile, the Governor has been advised to prepare for the swearing-in of new ministers, although the formal announcement of the list has yet to be made. The process of finalizing the appointments is anticipated to continue on Saturday or Sunday, with the swearing-in ceremony possibly occurring shortly thereafter. Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Surjewala had previously stated that the selection of ministers would consider factors such as caste, religion, regional representation, and the inclusion of younger leaders. This approach aligns with the party’s broader strategy to maintain internal cohesion and responsiveness to the diverse needs of its constituents.