Karnataka's incoming Congress government moved closer to finalizing its cabinet on Monday as chief minister-designate DK Shivakumar and former chief minister Siddaramaiah each handed over preferred names for ministers to party functionary Randeep Surjewala.
A meeting involving Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders is set for Tuesday to decide the final composition ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 3.
The choice of deputy chief ministers remains open, with both former home minister G Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge seeking the position. A smaller initial council of ministers could be sworn in on Wednesday if agreement on the full list is not reached immediately.
Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra confirmed his interest in a cabinet berth but ruled out any bid for the deputy chief minister post. Shivakumar also visited Congress Rajya Sabha member Abhishek Singhvi in Delhi to invite him to the ceremony.
