Even as both the Congress and JD(S) are keeping under wraps the allocation of portfolios for their new coalition government in Karnataka, the post of deputy chief minister seems to be the most coveted.
After the Congress reportedly asked for two deputy CMs from the party, now a new demand has risen:
A group of Muslim organisations have demanded that seven-time Congress MLA from Shivajinagar Roshan Baig be made the deputy chief minister in the new government of Karnataka.
Briefing the media, the organisations also said, if not Baig, then some other leader from the Muslim community should be made the deputy chief minister of the state.
What is wrong in it? Why not? If people from other communities can make demands then why can't people from my community? But, in the end high command will decide: R.Roshan Baig, Congress MLA on Muslim organisations demanding that he be made Deputy CM #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/byLjnfylJV
— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018
Interestingly, Baig defended the demand for a Muslim CM. He told reporters, “What is wrong in it? Why not? If people from other communities can make demands, then why can't people from my community?” However, he added the Congress high command would take a decision on the issue.
As both Congress and JD(S) have attempted to cultivate the Muslim vote, how the parties will respond to the demand will be keenly watched. Appearing to kowtow before the Muslim organisations will also give renewed ammunition to the BJP to criticise the JD(S)-Congress of minority appeasement.
On Monday, Karnataka chief minister-elect H.D. Kumaraswamy met with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former party president Sonia Gandhi in the national capital to discuss various aspects of the alliance and governance of the state.
On Saturday, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala to form the government in the state, after B.S. Yeddyurappa of the BJP stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state Assembly.
Kumaraswamy is set to take oath as Karnataka chief minister on Wednesday.