Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the high command of the Congress party will ultimately decide on the appointment of three more deputy chief ministers (DCMs) in the state. Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna had proposed the idea of additional DCMs, representing the Veerashaiva-Lingayat, SC/ST, and minority communities, in light of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
While Siddaramaiah emphasised that the issue is beyond his jurisdiction and that the high command will have the final say, Rajanna's suggestion has sparked discussion within the party.
"He (Rajanna) has expressed his opinion, but ultimately high command has to decide. The high command had said that one Deputy Chief Minister was enough and had appointed one. He (Rajanna) has said that he will speak to the high command on three more DCMs. Let him," Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "I don't have anything (to say). Ultimately high command has to make the decision. Whatever is the decision taken by the high command, I will obey it."
Currently, D K Shivakumar serves as the sole Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President. The Congress leadership had previously committed to Shivakumar that he would be the sole DCM, a decision made to resolve a leadership dispute between him and Siddaramaiah.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, who was once an aspirant for the DCM position during the government's formation, supported Rajanna's proposal, stating that it aims to build broader community support in preparation for the Lok Sabha elections. However, he also clarified that the implementation of the proposal is at the discretion of the high command.
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