The newly formed Karnataka Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is heavily dominated by his loyalists, raising questions about representation and inclusivity. In a surprising move, the Congress party failed to appoint any woman minister in the first round of cabinet formation, despite strong lobbying efforts from female MLAs and former ministers.
No Women in First Round
According to sources, KGF MLA Roopkala Shashidhar was considered a probable candidate for a ministerial berth. Additionally, former minister Laxmi Hebbalkar had lobbied hard in Delhi, advocating for at least four women to be included in the cabinet. However, none of these efforts materialized, leaving the cabinet without female representation.
Loyalists Take Center Stage
The cabinet composition reflects a clear preference for Siddaramaiah's loyalists, with many close aides securing key portfolios. This has sparked debate within the party about balancing loyalty with broader representation, including regional and caste diversity.
Political analysts suggest that the exclusion of women could become a contentious issue for the Congress, especially as the party has previously emphasized gender equality. The decision may also impact the government's image ahead of upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the opposition has criticized the cabinet formation, accusing Siddaramaiah of sidelining women and ignoring merit in favor of personal loyalty. The Congress leadership has not yet commented on the criticism.
