Karnataka Cabinet Portfolio Deadlock Persists Amid Lobbying Pressure

Nearly a week after expanding its Cabinet 2.0, the Karnataka government continues to face a deadlock over portfolio allocation among its ministers. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bengaluru on Friday night to discuss the portfolio deadlock and rising dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

Nineteen ministers were sworn in last Monday during the Cabinet expansion, but the state government has been unable to complete the assignment of departments. Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated on Saturday that portfolios are expected to be allocated by Monday evening. The anticipated resolution comes ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature, which is set to begin on August 13.

The ongoing delay has left several newly inducted ministers unable to begin work in their respective departments. Ministers are reportedly insisting on portfolios of their choice, creating intense competition for coveted departments such as Social Welfare, Labour, Higher Education, and Excise.

In addition to portfolio preferences, the Congress leadership is dealing with discontent among senior legislators who were excluded from the Cabinet expansion. Senior leader and former minister H.C. Mahadevappa, a prominent Dalit leader and close confidant of Siddaramaiah who supported him during an earlier power tussle with Shivakumar, is among those whose reported dissatisfaction has concerned party leaders.

Seven-time MLA T.B. Jayachandra has also expressed reservations over recent developments. Following his Friday meeting with Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar visited Jayachandra in an effort to address his concerns.

Social representation has emerged as another key issue complicating the distribution process. With seven Cabinet berths allocated to Lingayat leaders, discussions have intensified within the party regarding whether other communities have received adequate representation.

To contain the growing dissatisfaction, Congress state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala has held talks with key party leaders. Shivakumar has defended the delay, noting that the government technically has until August 15 to complete portfolio allocations. However, with the legislative Assembly session approaching, pressure is mounting ahead of crucial high command discussions in Delhi to finalize an allocation formula.