Will Siddu resolve ‘berth’ pangs?

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Bengaluru: When Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaches New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon, the prime challenge before him will be accommodating the innumerable aspirants for ministerial berths in his cabinet. The national capital is witnessing hectic lobbying by Congress legislators for berths with many of them camping in Delhi for the past few days to make sure they are in the coveted list.
Siddaramaiah is scheduled to call on All India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi and other central leaders to discuss cabinet formation. With as many as 40 legislators aspiring to be ministers, the formation of the cabinet will be a tight rope walk for the CM who was the only one to take oath on Monday.
Sources said he is likely to constitute a ‘mini ministry’ first with 15-20 members this weekend, followed by a second phase of expansion.
Meanwhile, KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar left for Delhi on Tuesday with a detailed list of legislators based on seniority, caste and regional preferences.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said: "We have to balance everything while forming the cabinet. I am leaving for Delhi on Wednesday to discuss this issue with them (Leaders in Delhi)."
Former leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, C. Motamma a serious contender for a berth, said she wanted a ‘prominent’ portfolio unlike last time when she handled women and child welfare in the S.M. Krishna cabinet. “I am qualified for this as I have already served as women and child welfare minister once,” she said.
Two-time legislator from Tumkur district, K.N. Rajanna has set his eyes on the co-operation ministry as he has been associated with the co-operation sector for more than three decades. Another senior leader and Shivajinagar MLA R. Roshan Baig wants the home portfolio, having served as minister of state for home in the Janata Dal government between 1996-99.