Picking ministers in Karnataka will be a tightrope walk for Congress

BENGALURU: Congress’ troubles are not limited to deciding who should be chief minister between state president DK Shivakumar and CLP leader Siddaramaiah. The race for ministerial berths with plum portfolios has turned into a multiple-horse race.

Also See: Karnataka CM Decision Live

Congress faces a challenge since some 65 MLAs and another 4-5 MLCs are aspiring for ministerial posts. The state cabinet has a maximum of 34 berths, including the chief minister and caste, regionality, age, and experience will have to be factored in.

As has been the custom, Lingayats and Vokkaligas — the two politically dominant communities —will likely take most berths and will be followed by Muslims, SCs, STs, Kurubas, Brahmins, and other smaller communities. Congress has 34 Lingayat MLAs and 23 Vokkaligas besides 21 SCs, and 15 STs.

Officially, the party has already begun discussions on the issue. “The first step is to finalise the CM post. We are discussing probables, and ministerial berths will be the next step,” said KPCC president Saleem Ahmed.

After weeding out first timers and those who may not fit the bill keeping in mind the party’s future, the party will have to finalise names from a list of about 45–50 names. It must keep in mind regional balance and representation to all 31 districts.

The Muslim community is already lobbying for a decent share. On Monday, Shafi Sadi, Wakf board chairman said the community needs to be “rewarded” with at least “five ministerial berths”, including a deputy chief minister post. “Consolidation of Muslim votes is one of the prime reasons for Congress achieving a comfortable majority,” Sadi said. “It worked in 67 seats.”

Chamarajpet legislator BZ Zameer Khan concurred, saying: “As per our estimates, 89% of Muslims voted for Congress. That is roughly 90 lakh. What is wrong with demanding five berths?” Of the15 Muslims who contested on Congress tickets, nine won.

The bigger challenge for Congress is to accommodate the old guard while giving the new its due. For example, there are 8-10 legislators who are 70 years or older who have been MLA for four or five terms. Most have experience as ministers and will want to be accommodated this time too.

“It is disappointing that legislators who have won more than five times have to fight for a berth,” said Basavaraj Rayareddi, six-time MLA and two-time MP. “However, no matter who gets a berth, Congress must provide good governance.”

Sources say much will depend on who becomes CM. “We are looking to present a fresh and young cabinet, but seniors cannot be disregarded. The final decision is dependent on who becomes CM,” said a functionary.

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