DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take oath as Karnataka CM on June 3

Bengaluru: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday elected Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar as its leader, paving the way for him to take over as Karnataka Chief Minister from Siddaramaiah on June 3 at 4.05pm.

The eight-time MLA from Kanakapura is expected to take oath along with four deputy chief ministers and around half a dozen ministers, according to initial indications. The final shape of the new government is expected to emerge by Monday evening.

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The CLP meeting, attended by AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Jairam Ramesh, first adopted a resolution authorising the party high command to choose its leader. The meeting then briefly adjourned to allow senior leaders to confer in the Chief Minister's chamber.

When the CLP reconvened, Siddaramaiah, the outgoing CLP leader, proposed Shivakumar's name for the top post. The proposal was seconded by senior Congress leader G Parameshwara.

A Congress delegation comprising Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and AICC leaders later met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and staked claim to form the government.

Shivakumar is expected to visit Delhi on Monday to meet senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, to finalise the list of deputy chief ministers and ministers to be inducted in the first phase of Cabinet formation, sources said.

A second round of Cabinet expansion may take place later, they added.

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According to party sources, Priyank Kharge, MB Patil, Satish Jarkiholi and BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan are among those being considered for deputy chief ministerial positions. Another group is pushing for G Parameshwara to be made Speaker, as incumbent Speaker UT Khader is reportedly keen to join the ministry.

Sources also said the AICC may approve the induction of Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah into the Cabinet, a move seen as an attempt to address any dissatisfaction within Siddaramaiah's camp following the leadership transition.