Bengaluru: Facing seething resentment within its ranks over ministries in Karnataka, the Congress has proposed a rotational arrangement where ministers will be replaced after two years.
Non-performers can be dropped even earlier if they do not ace their assessment, which can take place every six months, sources say.
The Congress's celebration of victory over the BJP after forming a government in Karnataka in alliance with Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's Janata Dal Secular was short-lived because of a tussle over ministries.
"Yes, there is some tension there, but I am confident that the Congress leaders will take the right decision," Mr Kumaraswamy told reporters today.
It took days for the allies to divide ministries. With the JDS scooping up meaty portfolios like finance, excise and transport, the Congress is left dealing with a mass of unhappy lawmakers.
The Congress leader at the heart of this chaos is DK Shivakumar, who had been the party's chief crisis-manager when it was trying to prevent defections to the BJP after a fractured verdict. The 56-year-old fought hard to make Deputy Chief Minister, which he believed was appropriate reward for his role. But Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy allowed only one slot, and that was taken by G Parameshwara.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi convinced him to accept two ministries instead. That cleared the way for the long-delayed swearing-in ceremony for ministers - at least two weeks after the Chief Minister - but the truce, apparently, didn't last long.
A senior Congress leader has reportedly said "this is not the final cabinet." Ministries have still not been assigned, indicating lingering resentment and worry for the Congress. The BJP, which is eight short of a majority, hasn't given up hope of the JDS-Congress government crashing.
The Congress has picked 25 ministers from its 78 lawmakers and has six more vacant slots to play with. Sources say those who were ministers in the previous Siddaramaiah government but have been left out this time are stewing at being benched. Among them is former irrigation minister MB Patil.
After a meeting this morning at Mr Patil's home, Mr Shivakumar said: "It is obvious that the senior leaders were hurt. Congress party has kept all options open to fill the vacancies and it will be done soon. I have belief in party high command. We have to build confidence among party workers."
One Congress leader said on the rotation plan: "It is not a very serious plan but aimed at tiding over these protests that are happening.''
Non-performers can be dropped even earlier if they do not ace their assessment, which can take place every six months, sources say.
The Congress's celebration of victory over the BJP after forming a government in Karnataka in alliance with Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's Janata Dal Secular was short-lived because of a tussle over ministries.
The Congress finally picked 25 ministers, with Rahul Gandhi urging leaders like Mr Shivakumar to accept what's on offer (File Photo)
The Congress leader at the heart of this chaos is DK Shivakumar, who had been the party's chief crisis-manager when it was trying to prevent defections to the BJP after a fractured verdict. The 56-year-old fought hard to make Deputy Chief Minister, which he believed was appropriate reward for his role. But Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy allowed only one slot, and that was taken by G Parameshwara.
Advertisement
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy allowed only one slot for Deputy Chief Minister, and that was taken by G Parameshwara (File Photo)
The Congress has picked 25 ministers from its 78 lawmakers and has six more vacant slots to play with. Sources say those who were ministers in the previous Siddaramaiah government but have been left out this time are stewing at being benched. Among them is former irrigation minister MB Patil.
Advertisement
One Congress leader said on the rotation plan: "It is not a very serious plan but aimed at tiding over these protests that are happening.''
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"I Am The Candidate": DK Shivakumar's Declaration For Key Poll In Karnataka's Channapatna Assembly Karnataka Halts Transactions With SBI, PNB Amid Funds Misuse Allegations HD Kumaraswamy Questions DK Shivakumar Over CCD Founder's Death Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death Two Sisters Returning From Court Run Over By Car In UP: Cops India Sends 1,400 kg Anti-Cancer Drugs To Syria In Humanitarian Assistance Police Arrest Suspect In Bihar Dalit Girl Kidnapping, Murder Case Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.