Karnataka Cabinet Expansion: Congress Weighs Caste, Gender, Regional Formulae

The Congress leadership has intensified discussions on the final composition of the Karnataka Cabinet, seeking to balance regional, caste, gender and community representation while accommodating competing political interests. The exercise follows former Minister M. Krishnappa and his son, MLA Priya Krishna, declaring that their claim to a ministerial berth was non-negotiable, and widespread criticism over the reported exclusion of women legislators from the proposed expansion.

Multiple formulae are being explored to strike this balance. Sources said the lack of consensus has delayed both the filling of a vacancy and the allocation of portfolios to the 19 ministers inducted recently. The party leadership is yet to take a final call on which MLA is to be inducted and which minister or ministers may have to make way.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly unhappy over the decision not to induct Basavaraj N. Shivannavar, the Bydagi MLA. This has prompted the leadership to explore options to rebalance the cabinet composition.

Minister H.C. Balakrishna, responding to speculation that he could be asked to resign to accommodate Vijayanagara MLA M. Krishnappa, struck a conciliatory note on Friday. He said the party’s decision would be paramount. “The party high command’s decision will be respected. We are committed to the party, and no individual is above it. If the high command or the Chief Minister asks me to sacrifice my ministerial post, I am 100% ready to do so. The party is more important than any position. Our focus should be on winning the 2028 Assembly elections,” he said.

However, Mr. Krishnappa is learnt to be unwilling to accept any compromise formula being explored by the party leadership. According to sources, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have held discussions with him in an effort to arrive at a consensus.

Several options are under consideration. One involves dropping a Vokkaliga minister to accommodate Mr. Krishnappa. Another proposal is to replace one of the two ministers from Mandya district — N. Cheluvarayaswamy or P.M. Narendraswamy — to address regional and community equations.

Women’s representation has also emerged as a key factor. Women legislators of both Houses have been lobbying hard to join the cabinet. One proposal under discussion envisages Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa stepping down to facilitate the induction of his daughter, Congress MLA Roopa Shashidhar, which would also ensure representation for Kolar district. If Mr. Muniyappa is unwilling, another option is replacing a Muslim minister with Congress MLA Kaneez Fatima from Kalaburagi North, thereby enhancing women’s representation while retaining minority representation. In the Ballari region, a formula under discussion envisages the exit of Minister B. Nagendra to make way for Annapoorna Tukaram, wife of MP E. Tukaram.

Party sources stressed that all these proposals remain under discussion and that no final decision has been taken by the Congress high command. The prolonged consultations have also delayed the allocation of portfolios to the newly inducted ministers.