Cong unsure of full term for HDK

Alliance partners Congress and JD(S) are yet to arrive at an agreement on whether or not Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will get a full term of five years.

“The modalities (of power-sharing) are yet to be discussed and worked out, This includes sharing of ministries and portfolios among the two parties and whether the JD(S) should get full five years or should we also get a term,” Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara told a press conference on Thursday.

No agreement

Initially, the Congress with its 78 legislators announced “full and unconditional” support to Kumaraswamy becoming chief minister. It is likely that the Congress would seek a power-sharing arrangement, in which it will also get the chance to have its own chief minister.

“We have to discuss the pros and cons,” Parameshwara said, when asked about allowing Kumaraswamy to remain in power for five years. “But the main priority for us is to provide good administration without us fighting among ourselves.”

Earlier this week, both camps agreed that the Congress would get 22 Cabinet berths (including deputy chief minister), while the JD(S) will get 12 (including chief minister). “Immediately after the floor test, we will go to the high command to discuss the Cabinet expansion.”

His role will be beyond that of Kumaraswamy’s deputy, he said. “I’m not just simply a deputy chief minister. I’m also representing the Congress. So, my responsibility obviously will be much bigger,” he said. He also clarified that there was no quota under which he was chosen for the post. “It’s an accident or coincidence that I’m born a Dalit. I’d like to believe that I’m eligible and that’s why I was chosen.”

There has been no discussion within the party on appointing a second deputy chief minister, despite demands from various sections, he said.

Parameshwara said the Congress-JD(S) coalition faced challenges ahead. “There’s talk that the coalition will break when it hasn’t even started. We will complete the full five-year term,” he asserted.