Last Updated:
Congress leaders have indicated that the first round of Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle may be limited in size and just about 10-15 ministers may take oath today.
DK Shivakumar’s Cabinet is likely to retain ministers like G Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge. (AI generated image)
As Karnataka prepares for a new political chapter with DK Shivakumar set to take oath as Chief Minister, the focus has shifted from the leadership transition to the composition of his first Cabinet. The suspense, however, continues.
Despite intense speculation in political circles and media reports naming several likely ministers, Shivakumar himself has cautioned against treating any circulating list as final. “The list of names doing the rounds in the media is not official,” the Chief Minister-designate said on Wednesday, adding that the Congress high command would take the final call and communicate the approved names before they are forwarded to the Raj Bhavan.
Read More: G Parameshwara To Be Karnataka Deputy CM? Why The Veteran Leader Could Be Top Choice For No. 2
Yet, with the swearing-in ceremony only hours away, a broad picture is beginning to emerge of who could be part of the first team under the new Chief Minister. Names such as G Parameshwara, Priyank Kharge, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, KJ George, Satish Jarkiholi, Shivaraj Tangadagi, UT Khader, Ramalinga Reddy, Eshwar Khandre and Krishna Byre Gowda continue to dominate speculation.
A Compact First Cabinet Expected
Congress leaders have indicated that the first round of Cabinet expansion may be limited in size. Senior Congress leader KH Muniyappa suggested that around 10 to 15 ministers could take oath alongside Shivakumar. Congress MLA Sharan Prakash Patil echoed similar expectations, saying that “maybe 14 people” could be sworn in with the new Chief Minister.
Veteran legislator TB Jayachandra indicated that only the first batch of ministers may take oath initially, with a second phase of Cabinet formation likely after the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha election process concludes later this month.
If that happens, the first Cabinet is expected to focus on balancing experience, caste representation, regional interests and factional equations while leaving room for future adjustments.
Senior Hands Likely To Return
Among the names most frequently mentioned is G Parameshwara, one of the Congress’s most experienced leaders in Karnataka. The current state Home Minister is also being discussed as a possible Deputy Chief Minister, especially given his stature as a prominent Dalit face within the party.
Another senior leader widely tipped for a berth is KJ George. Known for handling key portfolios across multiple governments, George is regarded as one of the party’s most experienced administrators and is considered a safe choice in any Cabinet reshuffle.
R Ramalinga Reddy, a veteran leader from Bengaluru, is also among those expected to retain influence in the new setup.
Similarly, Satish Jarkiholi remains a strong contender. As one of the most influential Congress leaders from north Karnataka and a key leader from the Scheduled Tribe community, his inclusion would help the government maintain regional and social balance.
The Kharge Factor
Priyank Kharge’s name is also doing the rounds. The son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has emerged as one of the party’s most visible younger leaders and has held important portfolios in the Siddaramaiah government. His administrative experience and political prominence make him a natural contender for a significant role in the Shivakumar Cabinet.
His inclusion would also underline the continued influence of the Kharge camp in Karnataka politics even after the leadership transition.
Will Yathindra Make the Cut?
One of the most closely watched names is Yathindra Siddaramaiah. The former MLA and son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has long been seen as an emerging force within the Congress. While there has been no official indication regarding his induction, his name has surfaced repeatedly in discussions about the new Cabinet.
If included, it would be viewed as an attempt to ensure that Siddaramaiah’s political network remains represented in the government even after he vacates the Chief Minister’s office.
Regional Balancing Act
Congress is also expected to ensure broad regional representation. Shivaraj Tangadagi, a senior leader from the Kalyana Karnataka region, is among the names under discussion. His inclusion could help strengthen the government’s outreach in a region that remains politically significant.
Krishna Byre Gowda is another leader whose name is being mentioned frequently. Considered one of the party’s more policy-oriented faces, he has previously handled important portfolios and is viewed as a capable administrator.
Assembly Speaker UT Khader’s name has also figured in political conversations surrounding the Cabinet. Khader enjoys considerable support in coastal Karnataka and is one of the Congress’s prominent leaders. Whether the party chooses to retain him in his current constitutional role or bring him into the executive remains a key question.
Another senior Congress leader whose name has been doing the rounds ahead of the Cabinet announcement is Eshwar Khandre. A veteran politician from the Hyderabad-Karnataka region and one of the party’s most prominent Lingayat faces, Khandre has long been considered an important bridge between the Congress and a community that has traditionally leaned towards the BJP in recent years. His organisational experience, strong regional base and seniority within the party make him a natural contender for a ministerial berth.
More Aspirants Than Berths
Even Congress leaders admit that demand for ministerial positions far exceeds the available slots. “There will be aspirants for the Cabinet because the Cabinet is being reconstituted. So naturally there will be many aspirants,” Sharan Prakash Patil remarked, acknowledging the intense competition within the party.
Lakshmi Hebbalkar struck a similar note, saying the official list would be released by the leadership and expressing happiness for those likely to get ministerial responsibilities.
High Command Holds the Final Key
Ultimately, the final decision rests not in Bengaluru but in Delhi.
Former Karnataka minister HK Patil indicated that extensive consultations had already taken place. “Yesterday our High Command conducted an elaborate exercise, and they have taken some decision, perhaps it has not yet been made known. Maybe by 10 o’clock or 11 o’clock the names will be announced,” Patil said.
When asked whether he himself expected to be part of the new Cabinet, Patil avoided speculation. “Whatever high command is going to take a decision, that will be the decision for all of us,” he remarked, underlining the mood of uncertainty among even senior Congress leaders.
Shivakumar has also made it clear that while state leaders have conveyed their preferences, the Congress high command will take the final call on ministerial appointments. Only after the approved list arrives from the national leadership will it be sent to the Governor for formalities.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
