BENGALURU: Intense lobbying for key departments — Bengaluru urban development, revenue, and water resources, among others — has delayed the allocation of portfolios in the newly formed cabinet under Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Contrary to earlier indications that the list would be finalized by Thursday evening, negotiations remained inconclusive, partly due to a high-profile party event scheduled for the following day. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to arrive in Bengaluru on Friday as AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge files his nomination for the Rajya Sabha at Vidhana Soudha. Senior leaders are expected to use this gathering to finalize the list of ministers.
Chief Minister's Pending Decisions
The list approved by the chief minister has yet to reach Lok Bhavan. The CM is expected to retain control over finance, intelligence, the department of personnel and administrative reforms, and other portfolios not assigned to other ministers at this time.
Ramalinga Reddy's Ultimatum
Ramalinga Reddy, a senior minister and prominent Vokkaliga leader from Bengaluru, has reportedly demanded the Bengaluru urban development portfolio, stating he would step down if his request is denied. Reddy, who is slated to receive the water resources portfolio, is said to have met Shivakumar and delivered an ultimatum: “Allocate Bengaluru development or accept my exit.” Sources claim that Reddy has “submitted” his resignation. This dispute carries baggage from the previous Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, during which the high command had reportedly favored Reddy for Bengaluru development. However, Shivakumar had opted to retain the department with an understanding that it would change hands if he assumed the chief minister’s office.
Krishna Byre Gowda's Plea
Krishna Byre Gowda, another frontrunner, is now urging the party to allow him to retain the revenue portfolio he held in the previous administration. “I’ve done a lot of good work, but it is still incomplete. It will be good if I continue with that,” he said.
Minority Community Demands
Adding to the government’s challenges, minority community leaders have raised demands for greater representation. At a convention in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening, Muslim religious leaders and clerics urged the Congress to induct five ministers, including BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, NA Haris, Tanveer Sait, and Saleem Ahmed. Addressing the gathering, a prominent religious leader said, “If five Muslims are not given cabinet berths, then you will face serious consequences in the coming days.”
Provisional Portfolio Allocations
According to the provisional list, Deputy CM G Parameshwara has been allotted revenue, youth empowerment, and sports. MB Patil will continue to handle industries; KJ George retains energy and has been given additional charge of tourism. KH Muniyappa will continue to oversee food and civil supplies, and Ramalinga Reddy has been assigned water resources. Satish Jarkiholi will remain in charge of public works. UT Khader will head health and family welfare. Krishna Byre Gowda has been entrusted with Bengaluru urban development, while Priyank Kharge will handle home and IT-BT. Yathindra Siddaramaiah has been allotted urban development, and Sharana Prakash Patil will take charge of medical education. Byrathi Suresh has been assigned transport, and Eshwar Khandre will oversee rural development and panchayat raj.
