New Delhi/ Bengaluru, June 2: The Congress leadership has reportedly finalised the first list of Ministers for the new Karnataka government, following a day-long series of consultations in New Delhi. Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar and caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah departed for Bengaluru on Tuesday evening after holding crucial discussions with the party high command.
According to the schedule released by Siddaramaiah's office, the two leaders left the national capital on a special flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 7:30 p.m. and are expected to arrive at HAL Airport in Bengaluru around 10 p.m.
The consultations were held ahead of Shivakumar's swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday evening at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Sources said that around 12 to 14 Ministers are likely to take oath alongside Shivakumar in the first phase of Cabinet formation. However, the Congress has not yet officially announced the names of the Ministers to be inducted.
Following a meeting at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah were seen with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, posing for photographs. Despite intense speculation surrounding Cabinet berths, senior party leaders refrained from commenting on the final composition of the Council of Ministers.
Sources indicated that the high command has largely completed the selection process, though discussions reportedly continued late into Tuesday evening to finalise the remaining names. The party is also believed to be considering a significant organisational reshuffle, with a senior leader from the oppressed classes in North Karnataka and a close associate of Siddaramaiah likely to be entrusted with a key role in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), currently headed by Shivakumar.
Party insiders said the leadership has opted to leave out several senior leaders and former Ministers to make room for fresh faces in the Cabinet. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at balancing experience with new leadership.
Speaking in Mangaluru, former Speaker U.T. Khader expressed hope of being assigned a responsible position in the new government but clarified that he had not received any communication from the party leadership. Veteran Congress MLA R.V. Deshapande, meanwhile, said he would abide by whatever decision the party high command takes.
Sources further revealed that the Congress leadership is keen to strengthen governance and prepare for the 2028 Assembly elections by ensuring a mix of seasoned politicians and emerging leaders in the Cabinet. As many as eight to ten first-time Ministers are expected to be accommodated.
The party is also reportedly considering a phased expansion of the Ministry. While an initial batch of Ministers is likely to be sworn in on Wednesday, additional inductions may take place after the completion of the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
Both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah had earlier submitted their recommendations for ministerial appointments to the Congress high command. After reviewing inputs from both leaders, the central leadership is understood to have finalised the first list.
Sources said the party intends to allocate most Cabinet positions to leaders in the 50–70 age bracket while reserving several berths for younger and emerging leaders. Karnataka can have a maximum of 34 Ministers, including the Chief Minister, under constitutional provisions.
The Congress leadership has reportedly undertaken extensive internal assessments to ensure regional, caste and political representation in the new government, while balancing competing aspirations within the party.
