Eleven ministers of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government were inducted into Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's diverse cabinet on Wednesday. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru, marked a significant reshuffle aimed at ensuring regional and caste balance.
Deputy Chief Minister Sworn In
Senior Dalit leader and former Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara took oath as the new Deputy Chief Minister. His induction is seen as a move to consolidate the Dalit vote base and bring experience to the cabinet. Parameshwara, a veteran Congressman, has served in various capacities including Home Minister and KPCC President.
Cabinet Composition
The new cabinet includes representatives from various communities and regions. Among the inducted ministers are:
- R V Deshpande (Lingayat, North Karnataka)
- K J George (Vokkaliga, Bengaluru)
- U T Khader (Muslim, Dakshina Kannada)
- M B Patil (Lingayat, North Karnataka)
- Priyank Kharge (Dalit, North Karnataka)
- K Venkatesh (SC, South Karnataka)
- N S Boseraju (ST, Mysuru region)
- Shivanand Patil (Lingayat, North Karnataka)
- K H Muniyappa (Vokkaliga, Kolar)
- K S Puttannaiah (SC, South Karnataka)
Strategic Moves
Chief Minister Shivakumar retained key portfolios including Home, Revenue, and Bengaluru Development. The cabinet expansion follows the resignation of several ministers who were part of the previous Siddaramaiah government. The move is aimed at strengthening the Congress party's base ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Political Reactions
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed the new cabinet, calling it a blend of experience and youth. Opposition BJP criticized the reshuffle as a mere exercise in caste arithmetic. BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said the cabinet fails to address the needs of the people.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The cabinet is expected to meet soon to discuss the state's flood relief measures and drought management.
