Status quo on portfolios likely until next Cabinet expansion

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Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s Cabinet of Ministers during the recent swearing-in ceremony. | Photo Credit: File photo

The Congress high command is expected to maintain the status quo on allocation of portfolios among Ministers in the ruling Congress government led by D.K. Shivakumar at least till the expansion of the State Cabinet, which is expected to take place at the end of June.

Ministers K.H. Muniyappa, Ramalinga Reddy and Krishna Byre Gowda have been sulking since the allocation of portfolios. Sources in the party said Mr. Shivakumar is expected to hold a meeting on the issue with the party's Central leaders and make a decision on the matter. However, in all likelihood, changes in portfolios are expected to take place during the next Cabinet expansion, sources said.

While Mr. Reddy wanted to swap his Water Resources portfolio for Bengaluru Development, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda was given Bengaluru Development. However, the crucial Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) remained outside his control. Apparently, Mr. Gowda is keen on holding the Revenue Department portfolio, which he held in the Siddaramaiah-led government.

Mr. Shivakumar has retained control of the highly influential BDA and BMRDA, ahead of the elections to five corporations in the city as well as the 2028 Assembly elections. Both authorities are significant for land acquisition, layout formation, housing projects, and major urban planning decisions, sources said.

Irked over being denied a full-fledged portfolio, Mr. Gowda visited New Delhi to place his grievances before the party’s top leaders. However, the Central leaders reportedly told him to persist with the allocated portfolio till the next Cabinet expansion.

Mr. Gowda reportedly felt that he was given responsibility without the most powerful authorities connected to city development. Reports indicate that he sought clarification from the party leadership and delayed taking charge