[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hectic negotiations between the coalition partners Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress have concluded, at least for now. The JD(S) will keep the Finance portfolio and the Congress, Home department. Highly placed sources in both the parties said this in New Delhi today. They said that
the power-sharing agreement between the two parties was in the final stages.
Since 30 May 2018, leaders of both the parties have held five rounds of talks in New Delhi, about portfolio allocation. Earlier, Finance and Home were one of the plum portfolios that the partners bargained vigorously.
Last Monday, senior Congress leader K C Venugopal had hinted that the coalition partners would arrive at a deal in a day or two. A couple of days earlier, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had admitted about issues in portfolio allocation, but they were not serious enough to pull down his
government. Kumaraswamy said that once the Congress high command sends the approval to their state leaders, he would expand his cabinet.
Soon after Kumaraswamy proved government’s majority on the floor of the Assembly, hectic negotiations began between the coalition partners about portfolio allocation. The state Congress leaders left for New Delhi to discuss the issue. Kumaraswamy had met former chief minister and
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara and Congress Karnataka in-charge K C Venugopal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]