In Karnataka, DK Shivakumar is likely to take the oath as Chief Minister on June 3; 10 ministers are also frontrunners in the race. In Karnataka, Shiv Raj can take oath as Chief Minister on June 3. DK Shivakumar, 10 ministers also ahead in the race.

A huge update has come to light amidst the huge turmoil going on in the political circles of Karnataka. Quoting sources, it is reported that DK Shivakumar may take oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, June 3. It is expected that 10 other ministers will also take oath along with him in this grand swearing-in ceremony. At the same time, it is believed that after the completion of Rajya Sabha elections, i.e. after June 18, the second major expansion of the Karnataka cabinet can be done.

‘No-repeat’ formula in cabinet? 50 percent new faces can get place

Amidst this major leadership change going on in the state government, all eyes are on a very important meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) to be held on Saturday. Party sources claim that about 50 percent new faces can be given a chance in the new cabinet of DK Shivakumar. Karnataka Legislative Council Chief Whip Salim Ahmed has also made it clear that the final decision regarding cabinet formation, regional and social (caste) equations and appointment of possible Deputy Chief Ministers will be taken by the Congress high command only after the CLP meeting.

Siddaramaiah’s resignation accepted, formal announcement may be made by evening

Two veteran Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala are reaching Bengaluru to attend this important meeting. It is expected that along with the formal announcement of the name of the new Chief Minister, the date of swearing in will also be officially announced by the evening. Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had resigned from his post following instructions from the Congress high command, which was accepted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday.

Siddaramaiah’s ‘status’ will not diminish even after leaving the chair

Political analysts believe that even though the command of power is going into the hands of DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah will continue to have direct influence in the state government due to his strong hold on MLAs, backward class groups and grassroots workers. In fact, the Congress high command does not want to upset Siddaramaiah’s influential ‘Ahinda’ (Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits) social alliance at any cost, because this alliance has been the main key to the Congress’s electoral victory in Karnataka.

Rajya Sabha offer rejected, challenge of ‘two power centres’ in front of high command

Instead of going to Delhi and accepting the role of Rajya Sabha, Siddaramaiah has decided to remain active in Karnataka politics. It is clear from this that they do not want to loosen their grip on the political affairs of the state. Now the Congress leadership will have a big challenge to balance between maintaining DK Shivakumar’s control over the government and Siddaramaiah’s influence on the social base of the party. Strategists fear that this change may alienate the party from its major vote bank of backward classes and minorities.

Crown full of thorns for DK Shivkumar, the path ahead is not easy

Experts believe that the real test for DK Shivkumar will begin after he takes over as the Chief Minister. He will not only have to strengthen administrative control in the state but also prevent the Siddaramaiah camp from emerging as a parallel power center within the Karnataka Congress. In the coming days, it will be interesting to see how DK Shivakumar strikes this political balance.