Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, May 29: Even though Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had claimed that there are no issues in the Congress-JD(S) coalition in Karnataka with regard to the portfolio sharing, party sources confirm that the tug-of-war for key portfolios continues.

In spite of holding several rounds of meetings, the alliance partners have not arrived at a consensus especially with regard to the Finance portfolio. While Congress is keen on Finance, JD(S) wants a hold on this ministry.

Kumaraswamy who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, later met Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad at his residence. The meeting was also attended by senior leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Former CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM G Parameshwara and senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar. In this meeting, it is said that JD(S) was ready to give up Irrigation and Energy but was not ready to give up Finance.

Kumaraswamy & Parameshwara

However, Congress is said to have demanded Finance, Home and Industries, Power, Irrigation, Public works, Excise, Bengaluru Development and Primary Education.

In the meeting, Kumaraswamy reportedly told Congress leaders that as per the formula that is based on the model of Maharashtra coalition governments, the junior alliance partner needs to keep Finance.

Citing examples, he said during Dharam Singh-led Congress-JD(S) government in 2004, the finance department was with then Deputy CM Siddaramaiah who was in JD(S). Similarly, during JD(S)-BJP coalition, the portfolio was with then Deputy CM BS Yeddyurappa, he said.

However, when argument over the portfolio persisted, Kumaraswamy said he wants time to discuss the issue with JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda while Congress leaders said they need to consult the same with AICC Chief Rahul Gandhi who is in US.

Sources reveal that HD Revanna, the CM’s brother, is keen on PWD and Energy ministries but Congress leader DK Shivakumar is eyeing on Energy portfolio, which he was holding even during the Siddaramaiah government.

Kumaraswamy who had made earlier made a shocking statement that he was at the mercy of Congress, told reporters that decision on portfolios will be taken after Congress leaders consult with Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile a JD(S) leader has expressed his displeasure on Congress seeking key portfolios leaving JD(S) with animal husbandry, labour, fisheries, youth services, women and child welfare.