Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Delayed, 20 Ministerial Berths Remain Vacant Under CM Shivakumar

One month after D.K. Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister of Karnataka, the state continues to function with an incomplete Council of Ministers, with 20 Cabinet berths still vacant out of a sanctioned strength of up to 34 members. The delay in expanding the Cabinet has drawn attention amid rising administrative pressures, including drought management, law and order concerns, and governance bottlenecks across key departments.

Shivakumar was sworn in on June 3 following a prolonged leadership tussle within the Karnataka Congress between him and his predecessor Siddaramaiah. While his elevation was expected to stabilise internal factional dynamics, the Cabinet expansion process has remained stalled for a month. Political observers attribute the delay to internal negotiations and balancing exercises within the ruling party, as multiple senior leaders compete for ministerial positions.

At present, the government is operating with only 13 ministers handling the state’s administrative responsibilities. This limited team has reportedly placed additional burden on existing ministers, including senior leaders such as Krishna Byre Gowda, Ramalinga Reddy and K.H. Muniyappa. Despite earlier expressions of dissatisfaction over portfolio allocation, these leaders have continued to focus on governance, while internal discussions over Cabinet induction continue behind closed doors.

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In an attempt to project unity within the party, Shivakumar recently visited Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru along with family members to mark one month in office. The meeting was seen as a symbolic gesture aimed at easing internal tensions within the Karnataka Congress. However, political challenges have persisted, including allegations from the Opposition regarding governance issues, administrative controversies, and disputes over policy decisions.

Meanwhile, the government has announced several policy initiatives despite the incomplete Cabinet. These include free bus passes for students, a large-scale infrastructure improvement programme for Bengaluru’s roads, job creation measures, and reforms related to property documentation and electricity connections. Additional proposals include filling thousands of government vacancies, establishing employment exchanges, and setting up a grievance redressal-focused ministry.

Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have criticised the delay in Cabinet expansion, alleging political hesitation and internal instability within the ruling party. Congress leaders, however, maintain that the delay is a result of careful internal balancing to avoid dissatisfaction among aspirants for ministerial posts. With local body elections approaching, the timing of the Cabinet expansion is increasingly seen as politically significant for both governance efficiency and party management.

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