Karnataka Cabinet Formation Moves to Delhi as Congress Leadership Begins Final Consultations

Bengaluru, June 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar and caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived in New Delhi on Monday for crucial discussions with the Congress high command regarding the formation of the new state cabinet, as the process of finalising ministerial appointments entered its decisive phase.

The two senior Congress leaders travelled together to the national capital, signalling a coordinated effort to complete consultations ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 3. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier left Bengaluru for Delhi, where the party’s central leadership is expected to take the final call on the composition of the new government.

Several senior Congress leaders and key stakeholders have also reached Delhi as discussions intensify. Among them are Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, as well as former minister H.C. Mahadevappa, who is considered one of Siddaramaiah’s close political associates.

According to party sources, preliminary consultations on the cabinet lineup have already been held among Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. These discussions are believed to have resulted in an initial list of probable ministers for the first phase of cabinet formation.

Sources indicate that the first batch of ministers is likely to consist of around 10 to 12 members, including the Chief Minister. The Congress leadership is reportedly attempting to ensure a balanced social and regional representation while selecting the initial team.

The proposed composition is expected to include representatives from major communities and social groups, including leaders from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Vokkaliga, Lingayat and Muslim communities. Party strategists believe that such a balanced approach will help strengthen the government’s social base across Karnataka.

The swearing-in ceremony for the first phase of ministers is expected to take place alongside Shivakumar’s oath-taking ceremony on June 3.

Party insiders suggest that the Congress leadership is considering a two-stage cabinet expansion strategy. While the first phase will fill a limited number of positions, the remaining ministerial berths are likely to be allocated after the completion of the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.

Sources also indicate that legislators and leaders considered close to Siddaramaiah may receive a significant share of positions in the initial cabinet formation. At the same time, efforts are being made to accommodate various factions within the party and maintain political balance between different regions and communities.

The final list of ministers will be approved only after detailed consultations with the party’s central leadership in New Delhi. Reports suggest that Siddaramaiah has prepared a separate list of ministerial aspirants from his camp and is expected to present it before the high command during the discussions.

As lobbying for cabinet positions gathers momentum, several aspirants have reached Delhi to engage with party leaders. The Congress leadership is expected to carefully evaluate claims for representation based on district-wise, regional and community considerations before finalising the cabinet.

Meanwhile, discussions have also centred around the possibility of creating additional Deputy Chief Minister posts. Sources said Siddaramaiah is likely to advocate strongly for appointing multiple Deputy Chief Ministers to ensure broader caste and regional representation within the government.

In another political development, party insiders claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had reportedly suggested a Rajya Sabha nomination for Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, after the veteran leader declined a role in national politics. However, Siddaramaiah is said to have politely turned down the proposal.

With the swearing-in ceremony just days away, all eyes are now on the Congress high command as it prepares to unveil the first team of ministers that will assist D.K. Shivakumar in leading Karnataka’s new government.

Team Maverick.