The decision came after a series of late-night meetings on Wednesday that lasted into the early hours of Thursday.
A final decision
Siddaramaiah has been named Karnataka’s next chief minister, with DK Shivakumar as his deputy. The Congress has decided to give both leaders a two-and-a-half-year rotational term. The decision puts an end to days of uncertainty following the grand old party’s resounding victory in the southern state. The new chief minister will be sworn in on May 20 in Bengaluru.
After three days of frantic negotiations in the national capital, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge arrived at an agreement for government formation shortly after midnight. It all happened after a video conference between Kharge and Sonia Gandhi. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi also believes that the leader with the greatest number of MLAs should be chosen.
It is in the interest of Party keeping 2024 General election in mind, we have to deliver our promises to the people of Karnataka.I am Happy what High Command take decision ???Loyalist DK Shivakumar ?? #DKShivakumar#Siddaramaiah #karnatakacmsuspense pic.twitter.com/QvTtHbIK0B
— Ashish Singh (@AshishSinghKiJi) May 18, 2023
The oath-taking ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony will take place on Saturday in Bengaluru’s Kanteerava stadium, in the presence of Congress leadership, including party Chief Ministers. The Congress also intends to make the event a show of Opposition unity by inviting top leaders.
Since the Congress romped home to power with an impressive victory over the ruling BJP on May 13, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have been at odds for the position of Chief Minister. According to sources, Shivakumar was initially hesitant to become Deputy Chief Minister under Siddaramaiah, but Kharge was able to find a middle path through negotiations.
This is the second time Siddaramaiah, 75, will be appointed Chief Minister of Karnataka. He left the JD(S) to join the Congress after H D Deve Gowda began promoting his son H D Kumaraswamy as his political heir.
