DK Shivakumar Expands Karnataka Cabinet and Warns Disgruntled MLAs

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expanded the Karnataka Cabinet on Monday, swearing in 20 ministers in Bengaluru, including 12 new appointments and eight incumbents. The expansion brings the ministry closer to its 34-member legal limit. While newly appointed minister P M Narendraswamy signaled a focus on the 2028 Assembly elections, the reshuffle triggered immediate internal friction within the Indian National Congress.

Senior leaders, including six-time Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao, expressed disappointment over their exclusion and the lack of transparency regarding the selection process. Shivakumar initially attempted to quell unrest by promising that overlooked members would be given appropriate responsibilities and positions on state-run boards and corporations. He also dismissed concerns over former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's absence from the ceremony, noting that Siddaramaiah was celebrating his birthday.

The situation escalated on Tuesday as MLAs Yashavantarayagouda V Patil and Belur Gopalakrishna resigned in protest, accompanied by demonstrations from their supporters. Shivakumar responded with a stern warning, stating he would accept the resignations of any other legislators who quit over the cabinet decisions. He urged dissatisfied members to remain patient and prioritize the party's future over individual aspirations.