A senior Dalit leader and former state Home Minister, Parameshwara is understood to have sought to be the only deputy chief minister in the new dispensation, even as some leaders continue to push for multiple deputy chief ministerial posts.
 
Cabinet formation talks continue ahead of oath-taking
 
Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath on Wednesday, with at least 12 ministers likely to be sworn in alongside him.

NDTV, quoting sources, reported that the final list of ministers is yet to receive approval from the Congress leadership in Delhi. 
 
Deliberations have also accompanied discussions on cabinet composition on other key appointments within the party and government.

Congress balancing multiple appointments

Party leaders have been engaged in extensive consultations not only on ministerial berths but also on selecting a new Karnataka Congress chief and filling upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council vacancies.

According to NDTV's sources, these parallel discussions have contributed to the delay in arriving at a final consensus.

Another meeting is expected at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with senior leaders K. C. Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala also likely to attend.

Delhi consultations on new Karnataka cabinet

Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah travelled to Delhi on Monday to hold consultations with the Congress high command on the composition of the new cabinet.
With the strength of the Karnataka Council of Ministers capped at 34, including the chief minister, the leadership faces the challenge of accommodating a large number of aspirants seeking cabinet positions.

Shivakumar thanks Gandhi family

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar expressed gratitude to the Gandhi family for their support throughout his political career.

In a post on X, he said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had recognised his potential at an early stage and encouraged him to pursue a larger role in public life.

"The Gandhi family has played a defining role in my political journey," Shivakumar wrote, crediting Rajiv Gandhi's faith in him for helping shape his political career.

Leadership change after three years

The transition comes as the Congress government in Karnataka completes three years in office.

Speculation over a leadership change had persisted for months, with Shivakumar's elevation from Deputy Chief Minister to Chief Minister emerging as one of the most closely watched developments in the state's politics.