The DK Shivakumar government in Karnataka faces tensions following its cabinet expansion. Several Congress leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership. Moreover, some leaders have even resigned from their positions. Amid this situation, Shivakumar met AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal on Monday. During their meeting, both discussed another possible minor cabinet reshuffle.
According to PTI, sources said the Chief Minister discussed adding one woman member. Additionally, they considered allocating portfolios to newly inducted ministers. Sources also indicated that minor changes could accommodate unhappy legislators. Therefore, the exercise could involve removing one or two recently inducted ministers.
Shivakumar Meets Kharge Amid Growing Discontent
The Chief Minister also held discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Both leaders spoke for more than two hours. Furthermore, Shivakumar consulted Venugopal before leaving for Bengaluru on Monday morning.
Over recent days, several senior Congress leaders contacted legislators who missed ministerial positions. Shivakumar participated in those outreach efforts alongside KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad. AICC General Secretary for Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala also joined these efforts. Additionally, several ministers contacted dissatisfied legislators to address their concerns.
Party sources said the Chief Minister wants to complete these processes before the upcoming Assembly session. Karnataka’s Monsoon Session will begin on August 13.
Woman Minister and Portfolio Allocation Remain Pending
After meeting Kharge, Shivakumar addressed questions from journalists. He said, “We have to include a woman; we will do that.” Furthermore, he added, “There is no hurry. Portfolio allocation will finish soon.”
Karnataka witnessed a major cabinet reshuffle earlier this month. The government inducted 19 ministers during that exercise. Consequently, the total strength reached 33 members, including the Chief Minister.
However, the government has not allocated portfolios to the newly inducted ministers yet. Therefore, department distribution remains another important task before the administration.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara addressed concerns surrounding the pending allocation. He said no confusion exists regarding portfolios for newly inducted ministers. Additionally, Parameshwara said the government would complete the process soon.
The latest discussions now centre on portfolio distribution and representation for dissatisfied legislators. Meanwhile, Shivakumar wants these pending matters settled before the Monsoon Session begins on August 13.
