Bengaluru/New Delhi: Congress high command, with Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and Caretaker Chief Minister SiddaramaiahDiscussions took place till late night in New Delhi on Sunday to finalize the composition of the new Karnataka cabinet. With Shivakumar taking oath on Wednesday, there is a plan to induct 10 to 20 ministers in the first phase.Read this also What can make or break DK Shivakumar’s reign in Karnataka? A senior party official said that while the initial list is almost ready, some additional names are still under consideration. “Though 10 names have been finalised, another 10 are being discussed for the first round of swearing-in. The final list may come on Wednesday,” he said. Before formalizing it, the list of probables will be presented before AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The discussion also focused on key organizational and constitutional appointments including KPCC President, Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council Speaker. Shivakumar is said to be supporting Satish Jarkiholi, HK Patil and BK Hariprasad for key organizational and cabinet roles, while Siddaramaiah is believed to be supporting Hariprasad for the post of state party chief.Siddaramaiah is also advocating for the inclusion of AHINDA loyalists.Siddaramaiah is also lobbying for the inclusion of his Ahinda faction loyalists in the cabinet, although other leaders have indicated that more than 10 of his nominees are unlikely to be included.Jarkiholi is reportedly demanding both a cabinet berth and an organizational role.The issue of Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) posts has emerged as a major point of contention within the Congress. It is being said that Siddaramaiah is pushing for DCM posts for G Parameshwara, BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, KJ George and MB Patil. However, Shivakumar is reportedly against the idea of ​​DCM, arguing that it could create parallel power centers and create unnecessary political controversy.The high command is also considering including Siddaramaiah’s son Yatindra in the cabinet. While state and national level leaders in the party are keen to ensure this representation to protect the Kuruba vote base in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah is not pushing his case. Their concern is that such a move could be interpreted as nepotism.“Last time I met the high command, Rahul Gandhi said that my interest will be taken care of and I will be included in the cabinet. So, I am hopeful. Whatever be the portfolio, I will be happy,” said Yatindra, adding that he is not harboring any DCM ambitions.The Congress leadership also reviewed the preparations for the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections to be held on June 18. Based on its current strength in the Assembly, the party is projected to win three of the four Rajya Sabha seats and five of the seven MLC seats.Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, members of the Dalit community protested outside the KPCC office and urged the leadership to appoint a Dalit leader as DCM. The protesters demand that senior leaders G Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa and HC Mahadevappa be considered for the post. The demonstration was led by Dalit leader K Venkataswamy.Separately, Congress workers in Halkarti village of Chittapur taluk performed special puja at Veerbhadreshwar temple and demanded appointment of minister Priyank Kharge as DCM.In Bengaluru, supporters of Shantinagar MLA and BDA president NA Haris performed rituals at the Adishakti temple at the GBA headquarters, demanding DCM post or cabinet berth for him. 108 coconuts were plucked as part of the ritual.