Two deputy CMs, key role for Yathindra likely as Congress finalises Karnataka power transition

The Congress is finalising the contours of a revamped Karnataka cabinet ahead of the expected elevation of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar as the state’s next chief minister, with discussions indicating the possibility of two deputy chief ministers and a politically significant role for former chief minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

The developments follow Siddaramaiah’s resignation on Thursday after completing three years in office, paving the way for a leadership transition that has long been anticipated within the party.

The official announcement of Shivakumar’s elevation is expected after a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Saturday evening. Party legislators are expected to formally elect him as their leader before preparations begin for his swearing-in ceremony, which is likely to take place on June 3.

Power-sharing arrangement reaches next phase

Since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka after the 2023 Assembly elections, speculation has persisted over a power-sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. According to party insiders, the arrangement, reportedly backed by the Congress high command, envisaged a transfer of power midway through the government’s term.

With Siddaramaiah stepping down, that transition now appears set to be completed.

Two deputy chief ministers under consideration

Sources familiar with the discussions said the new government may have two deputy chief ministers as part of an effort to balance regional and caste equations within the ruling party.

Among the names being considered is senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi, who has reportedly been offered one of the deputy chief ministerial posts. However, there has been no official confirmation on whether he has accepted the proposal.

Party leaders believe the expanded deputy CM structure could help accommodate competing factions while ensuring broader representation in the cabinet.

Yathindra likely to get cabinet berth

Another key outcome of the discussions appears to be the likely induction of Yathindra Siddaramaiah into the state cabinet.

Photographs released after a series of meetings on Friday showed Yathindra alongside senior Congress leaders, fuelling speculation about his future role in the government. While some reports suggested he could be considered for a deputy chief minister’s position, sources involved in the talks indicated that he is more likely to be inducted as a cabinet minister.

According to party leaders, Siddaramaiah has sought a politically significant portfolio for his son. The Social Welfare Department is among the options under consideration.

The department oversees programmes related to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes and is widely regarded as one of the more influential ministries in the state government.

Debate over coordination mechanism

Discussions have also centred on Siddaramaiah’s proposal for a broader coordination framework linking the Congress organisation and the state government after the leadership transition.

According to leaders familiar with the talks, the outgoing chief minister has suggested a model similar to the one followed by the BJP in Karnataka, where a coordination committee headed by veteran leader B. S. Yediyurappa functions as an advisory body alongside the state party leadership.

However, leaders aligned with Shivakumar are understood to have raised concerns that such an arrangement could create parallel centres of power after the change in leadership.

Party sources said the Congress high command has not yet taken a final decision on the proposal.

As Karnataka prepares for a new chief minister, negotiations over cabinet composition, power-sharing and organisational coordination continue behind the scenes, reflecting the delicate balancing act required to maintain unity within the ruling Congress.