Curiosity grows over cabinet formation in Karnataka

BENGALURU: Amid hectic political developments in the state Congress after the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, there is speculation on whether there will be Rahul Gandhi’s touch to the new cabinet of ministers.

It is being speculated that 15 to 18 ministers who were in the Siddaramaiah cabinet will be kept out and the new chief minister may adopt a 50-50 formula of old-timers and fresh faces. D K Shivakumar’s new cabinet is currently causing huge curiosity in Congress circles.

Calculations about the formation of D K Shivakumar’s cabinet are intense and has given rise to many calculations and expectations. The cabinet is likely to be formed keeping in mind the elections coming up in the next two years and the current situation.

Some old-timers and experienced leaders may be given prominence to take on the opposition BJP-JDS combine. Priority will also be given to newcomers, a new image for the government, and faster administration. There is a possibility that 15-18 ministers from Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, especially those with low performance, may be dropped.

There will also be a review of the performance reports of current ministers. Selection is likely based on caste calculations, loyalty to the high command, activeness in party activities, and the ability to effectively counter the opposition.