Karnataka Will Have A New Cabinet In Next 48-72 Hours, Says Congress' Randeep Surjewala
He told reporters that Karnataka will most likely have a new cabinet in the next 48-72 hours.
New Delhi: As suspense continues over who will be chosen as the next chief minister of Karnataka between DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, Congress leader and All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala on Wednesday said that the party chief has been authorised to appoint the leader of the legislature party and that is why deliberations are currently underway.
He further stated that Karnataka will most likely have a new cabinet in the next 48-72 hours.
Speaking to the reporters, Surjewala said, "Whenever Congress makes a decision we will inform you. In the next 48-72 hours, we will have a new cabinet in Karnataka."
Delibrations are currently underway by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Whenever Congress makes a decision we will inform you. In the next 48-72 hours, we will have a new cabinet in Karnataka: Randeep Surjewala, Karnataka in-charge, Congress pic.twitter.com/NyEpC6nmNO
— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2023
"Do not resort to any speculation, whenever a decision is taken by the Congress president, we will be happy to inform you. I am only here to quash multiple rumours and hearsay ...that are being played on multiple news channels. Please don't believe in it," Surjewala told reporters, according to PTI.
His statement came as the top rung of the party has been holding back-to-back meetings over the Karnataka CM announcement with both contenders Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah in the national capital. According to sources Sidddaramaiah would most likely be declared as the Karnataka CM.
Earlier sources told ABP News that Siddaramaiah will be made the CM of Karnataka and is most likely to take oath on Thursday. Police officials were seen inspecting Bengaluru's Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, where the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka government is likely to be held, reported ANI.
Sources also said that the Congress leadership and Rahul Gandhi have offered DK Shivakumar the Deputy CM and PCC post along with six other portfolios which he has not agreed to yet. Meanwhile, after meeting the party leader Rahul Gandhi, DK Shivakaumar arrived at the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge ahead of the announcement on Karnataka CM.
According to sources, Sonia Gandhi had spoken to DK Shivkumar and tried to convince him. She has told him that his loyalty will not go unrewarded.
BJP Slams Congress For Delay In Decision On Karnataka CM
Amid the ongoing crisis, outgoing Karnataka CM and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai lashed out at Congress for not taking a decision on the CM post yet.
He said, "Congress is yet to finalise its CM candidate in spite of getting a majority. This shows the internal situation in the party. The aspirations of people are more important than politicking. Congress should choose a CM as soon as possible."
BJP leader Dushyant Gautam said that the Congress is wasting the "public’s time instead of working for them".