With DK Shivakumar set to take oath as Karnataka’s new Chief Minister on Wednesday, the Congress high command on Tuesday held marathon consultations in Delhi to finalise the first list of ministers, settle the Deputy Chief Minister puzzle and navigate growing pressure from competing factions within the state unit.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, along with Randeep Singh Surjewala and KC Venugopal, met Chief Minister-designate Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Kharge’s residence as the leadership scrambled to give final shape to the new government amid intense lobbying for Cabinet positions and organisational posts.Later in the day, Siddaramaiah was also named as a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).Sources said discussions revolved around ministerial allocations, caste equations, regional representation and maintaining a delicate balance between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps. With the strength of the Karnataka Council of Ministers capped at 34, including the Chief Minister, competition for berths has turned fierce.Party insiders indicated that the Congress leadership is considering a phased Cabinet expansion, with around 10 to 20 ministers likely to take oath alongside Shivakumar on Wednesday, while the remaining positions may be filled later.Those likely to be inducted in the first phase include KJ George, G Parameshwara, Ramalinga Reddy, Krishna Byregowda, UT Khader, Mallanagouda Basanagouda Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge, Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Lakshmi Hebbalkar, according to sources.The consultations also extended beyond ministerial appointments. Discussions reportedly covered the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee leadership, organisational restructuring and the Rajya Sabha poll nominees as the party leadership sought to ensure a smooth transfer of power after months of speculation over succession.However, even before the new government is sworn in, the battle for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post has erupted into public view. Supporters of several senior Congress leaders took out rallies, staged demonstrations and organised special events across Karnataka demanding the Deputy CM position for their respective leaders.Names being pushed for the post include KH Muniyappa, G Parameshwara, Shivanand Patil, Priyank Kharge, Eshwar Khandre, HC Mahadevappa, Satish Jarkiholi, MB Patil and Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra.In Bengaluru, supporters of Muniyappa held a show of strength, with civic workers carrying banners and raising slogans in support of the veteran leader. His supporters argued that his experience as a former union minister and state minister makes him a strong contender.In Mysuru, Youth Congress workers and supporters of Yathindra organised rallies backing his elevation, while Mahadevappa’s supporters staged protests in Chamarajanagar district.Supporters of Shivanand Patil demonstrated in Basavana Bagewadi, while statements supporting Priyank Kharge, Eshwar Khandre and MB Patil emerged from their camps.Belagavi too witnessed mobilisation, with supporters of Satish Jarkiholi organising demonstrations and special prayers. Members of the Muslim community offered prayers at a dargah in support of Jarkiholi’s candidature for both Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress president.The growing demands underline the challenge before the Congress leadership as it attempts to balance caste arithmetic, regional aspirations, loyalty equations and factional interests without triggering discontent.Shivakumar, elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party on May 30, is scheduled to take oath at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru at 4 pm on June 3.Ahead of the ceremony, the Karnataka Government announced a half-day closure of government offices around the Vidhana Soudha area on Wednesday afternoon due to security and logistical arrangements.