Karnataka Govt Formation: JD(S) Inks First Pact With Congress, Agrees to Cede Deputy CM, Speaker Posts
Along with deputy CM's post, Congress is reportedly keen to keep all key portfolios like home, revenue, power and finance along with themselves instead of giving it to JD(S).
Mumbai, May 22: After the political upheaval in Karnataka state which led to the stepping down of BJP and the ascension of HD Kumaraswamy, the Congress-JD(S) coalition is to take oath on Wednesday to form the new government in the state. While the JD(S) has been given the CM post, the Congress party has decided to keep the posts of deputy chief minister and speaker. On Monday, Kumaraswamy met the UPA Chief Sonia Gandhi and Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi to discuss the seat-sharing agreement.
However, Congress party sources claimed that the meeting held at Gandhi's residence was focused only on Kumaraswamy's oath ceremony. Also, they denied that any formal talks were made on the power-sharing agreement. The reason behind Congress' stance is to avoid any new controversy because it's believed that any formal discussion would spill over in public and create disturbance among JD(S)- Congress alliance.
According to a Times of India news report, the Dalit face of the state G Parameshwara is the frontrunner for the deputy CM’s post. Besides that, the deputy CM might be the only Congress leader who will take the oath along with Kumaraswamy. However, a final decision is yet to be considered. Also, no other minister will be sworn in on Wednesday's oath-taking ceremony.
The report further mentioned that the 34 state ministries, including the chief ministership, will be divided between Congress and JD(S) from their legislative strength. Currently, the Congress party has 78 MLAs plus two independents, while JD(S) has 38 MLAs. Sources said Congress might get 21 or 20 ministerial portfolios, while JD(S) legislators would get 12 or 13 ministries. However, there are higher chances that both Congress-JD(S) may bump in future over critical portfolios like home, revenue, power and finance. Reportedly Congress is keen to keep all these portfolios with themselves instead of giving it to JD(S).
While, the two seats named Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar in Bengaluru- where elections were deferred along with the rest of the state, the Congress party will field their party candidates.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 01:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).