Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has dismissed speculation about becoming a Deputy Chief Minister in the new Karnataka government led by D. K. Shivakumar.
Speaking amid discussions on cabinet formation, Yathindra said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had earlier assured him that his interests would be taken care of and that he would be inducted into the state cabinet. He said he was not seeking any specific portfolio and would be satisfied with whatever responsibility the party assigns to him.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah said he was not looking at a particular portfolio. Asked if he is looking to be Deputy Chief Minister, he said "No".
"Last time I visited high command, Rahul Gandhi said that my interest will be taken care of, and he said I would be inducted into the cabinet, so I'm hopeful. Whatever the portfolio is, I'll be happy," Yathindra Siddaramaiah said.
His remarks come as the Congress leadership finalises the composition of the new Karnataka cabinet ahead of Shivakumar’s swearing-in ceremony on June 3.
D. K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are expected to meet the Congress high command in New Delhi on Monday to discuss cabinet formation in Karnataka. Sources said Siddaramaiah has proposed a coordination committee, while discussions are also likely on the appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers and the selection of an OBC leader as the next Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.
Speaking to ANI, Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, Naseer Hussain, said that the party leadership will take the necessary decisions regarding the transfer of power.
"The transfer of power in Karnataka has been very smooth. When he (DK Shivakumar) takes the oath, the Council of Ministers will also be sworn in. The high command will now decide how many leaders will be sworn in, and whether there will be Deputy CMs or not. DK Shivakumar will be sworn in at Raj Bhavan on the 3rd at 4 pm, along with the Council of Ministers," he said.
The leadership transition follows Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister, with Shivakumar set to take charge as Karnataka’s new Chief Minister.
