Karnataka's newly formed government under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is facing its first major internal test, with several ministers yet to assume charge of their allotted portfolios nearly a week after Cabinet allocation, amid simmering discontent over portfolio distribution. Despite intervention by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the disputes appear unresolved as of 8 June.

Key Disputes Within the Cabinet

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction on three separate occasions over being passed over for the Chief Minister's post. His grievance adds to a wider pattern of discontent within the 14-member Cabinet, which currently has scope for 20 more berths.

Senior leader Krishna Byre Gowda, allotted the Bengaluru Development portfolio, has not taken charge of the ministry. According to reports, he is unhappy that key agencies — the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) — were excluded from the portfolio's purview.

Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who had earlier announced his resignation over being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio before withdrawing it, has also not assumed charge. He is reportedly awaiting a response from the party high command. Party sources said senior leaders held marathon meetings with the eight-time MLA, assuring him of an additional portfolio. As a conciliatory gesture, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) has allotted him four rooms — 335, 336, 337 and 337A — at Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha.

Rahul Gandhi's Directive and Senior Leaders' Concerns

According to party sources, Rahul Gandhi has directed that at least 10 new faces be inducted into the Cabinet in its next expansion. While the move has reportedly encouraged younger legislators, it has caused dissatisfaction among several senior leaders who feel overlooked.

Former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, a prominent Congress leader and close associate of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is said to be upset over missing a Cabinet berth in the first phase. Community leaders have demanded his inclusion. Notably, Khan's political trajectory is complex: he was initially encouraged by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda to contest from Bengaluru, later developed ties with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, and subsequently quit the Janata Dal (Secular) to join the Indian National Congress.

Shivakumar's Outreach Amid Political Pressure

Even as the Cabinet row simmers, Chief Minister Shivakumar has been attempting to project an accessible, people-first image. He has been travelling by the Bengaluru Metro, forgoing a convoy, and has announced free bus travel for students. The government has also introduced anti-rowdy squads and a one-time initiative to resolve long-pending Occupancy Certificate (OC) and Completion Certificate (CC) issues.

What's at Stake: A Crowded Electoral Calendar

The Cabinet expansion is being viewed as the new government's first critical political test. Bengaluru civic polls are expected before September, alongside bypolls in the Hiriyur and Dharwad Assembly constituencies, elections to four Legislative Council seats, and Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, and urban local body polls. Party insiders say Shivakumar must carefully balance competing interests — failure to manage senior leaders could trigger dissent and non-cooperation at a time when the party cannot afford internal fractures.