Congress’ Karnataka unit President D.K. Shivakumar, a potential Chief Minister candidate, met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Raj Bhavan for informal discussions before the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting. The meeting focused on logistical arrangements for a potential swearing-in ceremony, with astrologers suggesting auspicious dates of June 1, June 3, and June 5. June 3 appears to be the favored date for the ceremony, with discussions on the venue also taking place.
Intense lobbying within the Congress has started for the Deputy Chief Minister position, with leaders from the Lingayat community like M.B. Patil and Eshwar Khandre vying for the role. Other contenders include U.T. Khader, Tanveer Sait, and Zameer Ahmad Khan. Speculation surrounds the possibility of not appointing any Deputy Chief Ministers due to the high competition and varied claims from different groups.
Around 12 to 14 legislators are expected to be sworn in as ministers alongside the new Chief Minister. Shivakumar’s meeting with the Governor occurred before the CLP meeting, coinciding with Siddaramaiah’s public engagements. Siddaramaiah is attending the final rites of a former minister before joining the CLP meeting in Bengaluru.
