Bengaluru: For the first time in history, Karnataka will have three Deputy Chief Ministers (DCMs).

According to sources in the BJP, Govind Karajol (SC), Dr. Ashwath Narayan (Vokkaliga) and either K S Eshwarappa (Kuruba) or Laxman Savadi (Lingayat) will be the DCMs.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has confirmed that three DCM posts will be created. “The names will be finalized on Monday,” he said, adding that the portfolio allocations will also be done on the same day.

According to the sources, even though CM Yediyurappa was reluctant to create three DCM posts, the party high command prevailed over him stating that it was for the sake of the future of the party in the state. They believe that the second rung leadership needs to be nurtured.