Congress leadership is considering the creation of four deputy chief minister posts in Karnataka following the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah [1].
This proposal serves as a strategic attempt to balance competing factional demands within the party. By expanding the number of deputy roles, leadership aims to prevent internal instability as DK Shivakumar prepares to take over the state's top executive position.
During negotiations on May 30, 2024 [1], DK Shivakumar met with senior Congress leader Gopal Krishna Kharge at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru [1, 2]. Observers noted that nameplates identifying Shivakumar as the deputy chief minister were removed during the proceedings [2].
"A proposal for four deputy chief minister posts is being floated as part of the leadership talks," said a senior Congress leader familiar with the discussions [1].
While the party seeks a broad consensus, not all potential appointees have committed to the roles. Reports indicate that Satish Jarkiholi has yet to decide on the deputy chief minister offer extended to him [1].
The transition comes as the party finalizes the cabinet structure. The new chief minister is scheduled to take the oath of office on June 3, 2024 [3].
The move to create multiple deputy posts is an unconventional administrative step, reflecting the intensity of the internal power struggle. The removal of the existing nameplates at Vidhana Soudha signals a definitive shift in the state's hierarchy — marking the end of the previous arrangement and the beginning of the Shivakumar era.
“"A proposal for four deputy chief minister posts is being floated as part of the leadership talks"”
The proposal to appoint four deputy chief ministers suggests that the Congress party is struggling to consolidate power under a single leader in Karnataka. By diversifying the deputy roles, the party is attempting to appease multiple influential factions to ensure legislative stability. This high number of deputies may lead to administrative complexity but is currently viewed as a necessary political compromise to maintain party unity before the upcoming swearing-in ceremony.
