Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, 3 August moved to quash speculation of a factional divide within the state Congress, asserting that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was 'not dissatisfied' with the Cabinet expansion and that all 139 Congress MLAs were functioning as a unified team. The remarks came after Shivakumar chaired the first Cabinet meeting following the swearing-in of 19 new Ministers earlier in the day at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.

Shivakumar on Party Unity

Addressing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Shivakumar said the expansion had been finalised in full consultation with Siddaramaiah and that the decision was arrived at collectively. He noted that while the party had many experienced and deserving legislators, it had consciously chosen to induct several new faces — a decision he described as deliberate and inclusive.

'Today is his birthday, and he has been occupied with visitors. I have spoken to him five times. All 139 Congress MLAs are working as one team. We are united and will continue to work together,' Shivakumar said.

Women in Cabinet: A Promise, Not Yet a Reality

Shivakumar faced pointed questions over the conspicuous absence of women in the newly expanded Cabinet. He acknowledged the gap and assured that it would be addressed. He noted that the constitutional limit caps ministerial strength at 33 berths, but committed that at least one Cabinet position would go to a woman.

'Our party has always given priority to women, and our party cannot exist without women,' he said. Critics, however, have noted that the assurance remains open-ended, with no timeline or name attached.

The Gayathri Shanthegowda Question

Congress MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda, whose name had appeared in the announced list of ministers, did not take the oath at the swearing-in ceremony. Shivakumar attributed this to unresolved 'technical issues' and maintained that only the list submitted by him to the Governor was the official one. He declined to elaborate on the nature of the technical hurdles.

Legislators Left Out: Disappointment Acknowledged

On the question of legislators unhappy at being passed over for ministerial berths, Shivakumar offered empathy rather than explanation. He said such disappointment was natural and drew on personal experience to make the point.

'They are hurt, and that is understandable. Even G. Parameshwara and I experienced disappointment in the past. Opportunities come with patience,' he said. He added that the Congress high command would take the final call on portfolio allocations, leaving open the possibility of further changes.

What Comes Next

With portfolio assignments still subject to high command approval and a Cabinet seat for women yet to be formalised, the Karnataka Congress faces a near-term test of whether its post-expansion unity holds under the weight of competing ambitions. The Shivakumar-Siddaramaiah dynamic — long a focal point of state political watchers — will remain under scrutiny as the new Cabinet settles in.