Karnataka Congress situation is looking very much like one of those moments where everyone is waiting for one signal first,and then only rest of politics will start moving . Former minister Satish Jarkiholi has basically said same thing before Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for 4 PM on Saturday.
And honestly,his message was quite simple . First choose new leader,then talk about cabinet,Deputy Chief Minister posts,swearing-in and all other adjustments .
Jarkiholi,who is seen as close to caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,said during press interaction,“Let the captain be appointed first . All other developments will follow,” . That captain word says a lot actually,because without that one decision,every other discussion is just floating.
But yes,he also admitted there is confusion inside party over leadership dynamics . Not surprising ah,after election result and power talks,these things never stay simple in Congress or any big party .
Still,Jarkiholi tried to sound calm and said MLAs will accept what high command decides . His line was clear: “We will welcome the party's decision,whatever it may be.”
Few things standing out from what he said:
- First focus is electing new leader in CLP meeting at 4 PM on Saturday.
- Cabinet can have only 34 members including Chief Minister.
- Deputy Chief Minister posts and swearing-in schedule are still not final .
And that 34 number is where real headache begins . Because many legislators will naturally want cabinet berths,but space is limited . Jarkiholi also said both senior and younger leaders should be included in cabinet for effective governance,which sounds balanced on paper but difficult in actual politics.
On Deputy Chief Minister posts,he did not give any final answer . Discussions are going on,but decision will come after CLP meeting only . Same with reported proposal by Siddaramaiah for coordination committee between party and government,that too will be decided later.
Tbh,this feels like party is trying to avoid jumping ahead before leadership question is settled . Jarkiholi also asked everyone to wait,saying,“Let us wait until this evening or tomorrow,” and that first step must happen before anything else .
And now all eyes are just stuck on that one meeting,because once new leader is picked,then real bargaining,balancing and pressure from different camps may actually begin…
