Siddaramaiah Clarifies Stand on Karnataka Cabinet and Ahinda in Bengaluru

In Bengaluru on Saturday, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah addressed discussions regarding his recent low profile, stating to reporters that he was quiet but not silent. The former chief minister was speaking after garlanding the statue of freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna.

Siddaramaiah, who stepped down as chief minister on May 28, explained the shift in his public engagement by pointing out his current role in the legislature. He stated that while he held responsibility for the state as chief minister, he is now serving as an MLA.

The remarks come amid discussions within the party following the recent expansion of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's Cabinet. Siddaramaiah had recommended a ministerial berth for Byagdi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar. When asked about Shivannanavar's prospects of joining the ministry, Siddaramaiah noted that the Congress high command would make the final decision.

Addressing criticism regarding the absence of women in the Cabinet, Siddaramaiah stated that he had discussed the matter with the central leadership and confirmed that a woman minister would be inducted into the government. The Cabinet currently retains one vacant slot, though accommodating other aspirants, such as Vijaynagar MLA M Krishnappa and Shivannanavar, would require a minor reshuffle involving the dropping of incumbent ministers.

Siddaramaiah also pushed back against the BJP's criticism over Cabinet composition, questioning the opposition party's own record regarding minority representation during its tenure.

Looking ahead to community mobilisation, Siddaramaiah confirmed that he will attend the silver jubilee event of the Backward Classes Federation on September 6. He noted that work on organising the Ahinda grouping of oppressed communities remains underway. Party leaders highlighted Siddaramaiah's broad support base among Dalits, Muslims, and Kurubas as a key factor for the Congress party ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.