Trust vote over, Congress & JDS leaders discuss cabinet expansion

HD Kumaraswamy

Soon after Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy proved his three-day-old government's majority on the floor of the assembly, parleys began between coalition partners Congress and JD(S) on cabinet expansion in Karnataka. Within hours after the trust vote, Congress and JD(S) leaders, including Kumaraswamy, met at former Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah's residence on cabinet expansion, sources said.

Among those who attended the meeting were Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC chief G Parameshwara, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal and JD(S) leader H D Revanna. Both the coalition partners had earlier decided to discuss the cabinet expansion, after the trust vote.

According to sources, Congress leaders are likely to fly to Delhi soon to discuss with the high-command the cabinet expansion and allocation of portfolios. Parameshwara had yesterday said the coalition partners are yet to discuss the modalities on sharing of portfolios between both the parties,as also about Kumaraswamy continuing as Chief Minister for a full five year term.

It has already been decided that Congress will have22 ministers and JDS 12, in the new cabinet. With a growing number of aspirants for Ministers posts inboth parties, especially Congress, the leaders are up for a tough task. Senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar, who emerged as a key figure in keeping party MLAs together before the trust t vote of BJP's Yeddyurappa government, is reportedly upset over not getting the Deputy Chief Minister's post.

He is reportedly seeking a major portfolio along with the KPCC chief post, which Parameshwara is expected to vacate following his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. Leaders of the coalition parties are also likely to decide on a coordination committee soon, and will form an empanelled group to formulate a common minimum programme for the smooth functioning of the government.

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