Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held crucial discussions with top leaders of the Congress central leadership in New Delhi regarding an impending minor cabinet reshuffle, allocation of portfolios to newly inducted ministers, and filling the single vacant position in the state ministry. Following an extensive late-night deliberation lasting over two hours with party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday, Shivakumar met Congress General Secretary in charge of organisation KC Venugopal on Monday morning before departing for Bengaluru.
Portfolio Allocation and Representation of Women
According to sources familiar with the matter, the high-level meetings focused on assigning specific portfolios to recently appointed ministers while ensuring female representation in the state cabinet. In an effort to appease dissatisfied legislators who expressed discontent over recent appointments, party decision-makers are considering a minor realignment of existing portfolios. Furthermore, internal discussions indicate that one or two recently appointed ministers could potentially be dropped to balance regional and political equations.
Addressing reporters following his meeting with Kharge, Shivakumar affirmed that a woman leader would indeed be inducted into the cabinet, adding that there is no immediate rush for the move. He stated that the process of portfolio allocation would be finalized very soon. The Chief Minister also briefed the party president on political developments in the state following the resignation of BJP legislator Basavaraj Horatti, who served for a long period as the Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council.
Cabinet Composition and Vacant Post
Earlier this month, Karnataka witnessed a major cabinet expansion during which 19 new ministers were inducted into the administration. That move elevated the total numerical strength of the state council of ministers, including the Chief Minister, to 33. As per the prescribed constitutional limit for the state assembly, one cabinet position continues to remain vacant.
