Cabinet formation in two-three days, says Siddaramaiah

Says he would be leaving for New Delhi tomorrow or the day after to hold discussions with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in this regard

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said ministers would be inducted into his Cabinet by Friday even as he acknowledged that it's a difficult exercise.

Addressing a press conference after the maiden Cabinet meeting, minutes after he was sworn in as chief minister, he said he would be leaving for New Delhi tomorrow or the day after to hold discussions with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in this regard. It's being discussed whether it should have a two-tier (Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State) and also if they should be sworn in two installments (or at one go), he said. "It will be a balanced Cabinet," said Siddaramaiah, noting that ministry-formation was always a difficult exercise, apparently referring to lobbying and more number of aspirants than can be accommodated.

The ministry would be formed by Thursday or Friday, the chief minister said. It's no secret that intense lobbying is on in the legislature party for Ministerial berths. Caste and regional representation would be on focus, party sources said. On his statement during election campaign that a special court would be set up to try corruption charges against the previous (BJP) government if his party came to power, Siddaramaiah said such matters have to be dealt within the legal framework. He would discuss the issue with Law Department and Advocate General.