DK Shivakumar held fresh talks with Congress leaders in Delhi over a minor Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle and portfolio allocation to newly inducted ministers. The discussions also focused on inducting a woman minister and addressing concerns among legislators following the recent Cabinet expansion.
DK Shivakumar Meets Congress High Command Over Cabinet Reshuffle
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held another round of discussions with the Congress high command in New Delhi on Monday as the party works to finalise portfolios for newly inducted ministers and consider a minor Cabinet reshuffle.
Shivakumar met AICC general secretary for organisation KC Venugopal on Monday morning before leaving for Bengaluru. The meeting came after his lengthy discussion with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday night, which reportedly lasted for more than two hours. The meetings have gained political attention as the Karnataka government moves to settle portfolio allocations following the recent expansion of the Council of Ministers.
DK Shivakumar Discusses Cabinet Changes With Kharge
According to sources, Shivakumar's talks with Kharge focused on the next phase of Cabinet changes, including the possibility of inducting a woman legislator into the ministry.
The chief minister confirmed that the government intends to bring a woman member into the Cabinet but indicated that there was no immediate urgency. He also said portfolio allocation for the recently inducted ministers would be completed soon.
The discussions come amid efforts by the Congress leadership to balance regional, political and representation considerations while keeping legislators satisfied after the Cabinet expansion. A minor adjustment in portfolios is also being considered as the leadership tries to address concerns raised by some party legislators.
DK Shivakumar Holds Talks With KC Venugopal
Shivakumar followed his meeting with Kharge with discussions with KC Venugopal on Monday morning. The talks are understood to have focused on portfolio distribution and possible changes required to accommodate legislators who remain unhappy with the current arrangement. Sources indicated that one or two recently inducted ministers could also face changes if the party leadership decides to restructure the Cabinet further.
The Karnataka Cabinet underwent a major expansion earlier this month, when 19 ministers were inducted. The expansion took the strength of the Council of Ministers to 33, including the chief minister. With one berth still vacant, the Congress leadership has room to make another appointment, adding to speculation about who could be inducted next.
DK Shivakumar Eyes Woman Minister Induction
The vacant Cabinet position has increased focus on the possibility of bringing in a woman minister. Shivakumar has publicly stated that the government plans to induct one woman, although he has not indicated when the decision will be announced.
The chief minister also briefed Kharge about political developments following the resignation of BJP legislator Basavaraj Horatti, the long-serving Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council. With portfolio allocation still pending for some ministers and internal expectations continuing to grow, the Congress leadership is expected to proceed carefully before finalising further Cabinet changes.
Shivakumar has now returned to Bengaluru after completing his discussions in Delhi. Attention will remain on the Congress leadership's next move, particularly over the vacant Cabinet berth, portfolio distribution and the possibility of a limited reshuffle aimed at maintaining political balance within the Karnataka government.
