With a large number of MLAs lobbying for ministerial berths, the expansion of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s Cabinet has emerged as one of the most delicate political exercises for the ruling Congress, with the party leadership attempting to contain the expectations of a large number of aspirants.
Sources said Mr. Shivakumar is expected to leave for New Delhi next week, along with KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The leaders are expected to discuss the Cabinet expansion with the Congress high command, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Although the ministry currently has only 14 members against the constitutionally permitted strength of 34, the long-awaited expansion has been delayed by a few days due to Mr. Gandhi’s foreign tour. Mr. Gandhi is expected to be in Delhi after July 5, sources said.
Frontrunners
The Congress is expected to induct one or two representatives from the Muslim community, besides accommodating legislators who have not been made Ministers so far. Among the frontrunners from the minority community are Saleem Ahmed, MLC, and Rizwan Arshad, Shivajinagar MLA.
The leaders are expected to discuss the Cabinet expansion with the Congress high command, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
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Senior legislators such as Laxman Savadi, Ajay Singh, Sharat Bache Gowda, Appaji Nadagouda, A.S. Ponnanna and K.M. Shivalinge Gowda are also among those being considered for Cabinet berths.
Highlighting the competing demands from different communities, the Chief Minister said, “Members of the Vokkaliga, Lingayat and Muslim communities are each suggesting one name. In such a situation, it becomes difficult to make a political decision.”
The leadership is also deliberating on the number of MLCs to be inducted into the ministry. Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah is currently the only MLC in the Cabinet.
Women aspirants
Among women legislators, the names of former Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and Nayana Motamma are also under consideration.
Several districts were left without Cabinet representation when the ministry was formed. The proposed expansion is expected to address these regional imbalances while also accommodating community and factional considerations.
A senior party functionary said the Congress leadership faces the delicate task of balancing seniority with generational change by accommodating experienced legislators while creating space for younger leaders and first-time Ministers. Any perceived imbalance, the leader said, could fuel discontent within the party.
Political risks
Party leaders acknowledge that the exercise carries political risks. Excluding influential legislators could deepen factional grievances and weaken organisational cohesion, while appointments perceived as favouring particular communities or power centres may trigger fresh rounds of lobbying and discontent.
The choices made during the Cabinet expansion are expected to have a significant bearing not only on the credibility of the government but also on the Congress’s political prospects in Karnataka for the remainder of its term.
Published – June 30, 2026 07:41 pm IST
