Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is holding consultations with the Congress leadership in Delhi over portfolio allocation and possible changes to his recently expanded Cabinet.

The Congress leadership had cleared 20 names for the August 3 expansion, but only 19 ministers were sworn in. The induction of MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda was deferred, leaving the expanded ministry without a woman minister.

The development immediately drew criticism from the Opposition and women leaders. Shivakumar has acknowledged the issue and said women will receive representation, but no fresh appointment has been notified.

The Karnataka Chief Minister’s official portal has published his assurance that women would be accommodated.

Why Gayathri Shanthegowda Was Not Inducted

Gayathri Shanthegowda was reportedly among the 20 names cleared by the Congress leadership. However, her ministerial induction was deferred because procedural steps connected with her position in the Karnataka Legislative Council had not been completed.

Her name remains central to speculation over the vacant Cabinet position, but neither the Karnataka government nor the Congress has announced her appointment.

Shivakumar is expected to seek approval from the central leadership before making any further change.

Portfolios Still Awaited

The allocation of departments to the 19 newly inducted ministers is another major pending decision.

Reports indicate that Shivakumar must balance administrative experience with competing caste, community and regional demands. Some Congress MLAs and community organisations have publicly complained about inadequate representation.

Former chief minister Siddaramaiah’s supporters are also reportedly unhappy over the exclusion of some legislators considered close to him. Reports have specifically referred to discontent over Byadgi MLA Basavaraj N. Shivannavar being denied a Cabinet berth.

The inclusion of former minister B. Nagendra has separately attracted political attention because of allegations connected with the Valmiki Corporation case. Nagendra has denied wrongdoing.

No Final Changes Yet

The Chief Minister’s visit to Delhi indicates that the Cabinet formation process remains incomplete, but it should not be presented as a confirmed reshuffle.

As of publication:

• No new minister has been appointed.
• Portfolios for the 19 ministers have not been officially announced.
• Gayathri Shanthegowda has not taken the ministerial oath.
• No minister has been removed from the expanded Cabinet.

The Indian Express and Times of India have reported that the discussions cover portfolios, women’s representation and internal party dissatisfaction

The Karnataka CLP is set to meet today to formally elect D.K. Shivakumar as the new leader following Siddaramaiah's resignation

In a swift sequence of political developments on Saturday morning, Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Raj Bhavan for an informal discussion. The meeting took place just hours before the scheduled Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, where the formal election of the state's next Chief Minister is on the cards.

Accompanied by his brother and former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, Shivakumar’s visit to Lok Bhavan is being viewed as a preparatory step to discuss the upcoming government formation logistics. Sources close to the development indicated that since Governor Gehlot is expected to travel out of Bengaluru later in the day, the informal meeting helped align schedules for the official oath-taking process.

Stage set at Vidhana Soudha

The crucial CLP meeting, scheduled for 4:00 PM today at the conference hall in Vidhana Soudha, will be chaired by outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The gathering is largely seen as a formality to rubber-stamp the decision of the Congress high command, which positioned Shivakumar as the definitive successor to Siddaramaiah.

AICC General Secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala are also expected to attend the session to oversee the transition. The party’s 136 MLAs have been issued a strict directive to remain present in the state capital to sign the letters of support that will subsequently be submitted to the Governor.

Factional balancing and cabinet composition

While Shivakumar's election to the top post is secure, intensive lobbying has begun behind the scenes regarding the composition of the new cabinet. Outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who returned from New Delhi late Friday night after meetings with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, is expected to push hard for his loyalists to retain prime portfolios.

Speculation is also rife regarding the induction of Siddaramaiah's son, Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, into the new council of ministers. Responding to queries about potential cabinet berths, senior leader Priyank Kharge remarked, "The CLP will decide the leader first, and then that will be sent to the Governor. Everything will be left to the wisdom of the CLP and the high command." Congress leader Bilkis Bano added that if the high command decides, the youth representation, including Yathindra, will be accommodated.

A long-awaited power transition

The transition comes after Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation on Thursday, May 28, terminating months of internal deliberation over a rotational power-sharing formula. The agreement, originally brokered during the government formation in May 2023, called for a leadership change after two and a half years.

Shivakumar’s supporters had been exerting subtle pressure for the handover since late last year. In an emotional social media post following the resignation, Shivakumar expressed his gratitude to Siddaramaiah, writing, "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together. I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka."

Opposition mounts corruption offensive

Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the ruling dispensation, terms the leadership change a cosmetic exercise that will not change the administrative ground reality.

"There may be a change in leadership, but the truth is that this is a super-corrupt government," alleged Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. "The people of Karnataka are completely fed up because developmental works have come to a total standstill across the state during this transition."

Swearing-in timelines under review

With the CLP meeting expected to wrap up by Saturday evening, the focus will shift entirely to the oath-taking ceremony. Astrological consultations and the availability of senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are reportedly dictating the final choice of date.

Initial reports indicate that tentative preparations are underway near the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, with the ceremony likely to take place on Monday, June 1, or Wednesday next week. Once the CLP formally passes the resolution, a delegation led by Shivakumar will meet the Governor tonight to stake a formal claim to form the next government.