Karnataka cabinet row: CM DK Shivakumar flies to Delhi amid portfolio discontent
Synopsis
Karnataka's newly formed Congress cabinet is already under strain — Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has rushed to Delhi to manage a portfolio row involving a seven-time MP who refused his ministry until Rahul Gandhi personally intervened, a senior MLA left out entirely, and a minister yet to assume charge. The high command's ability to hold these competing ambitions together will set the tone for the government's first months.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar flew to New Delhi on 10 June to consult the Congress high command over portfolio discontent in the newly sworn-in Karnataka cabinet .
Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H.
Muniyappa , a seven-time Congress MP, is reportedly pressing for a portfolio change; he had earlier refused charge until Rahul Gandhi personally intervened.
Jayachandra is reportedly upset over being excluded from the cabinet, and is said to be lobbying senior leaders in Delhi.
Former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan appeared visibly upset over not receiving a cabinet berth, though he declined to comment publicly.
Patil dismissed reports of dissatisfaction over the Deputy CM post, endorsing the appointment of G.
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has reportedly not yet assumed charge of his portfolio; party leaders say the issue will be resolved by the high command.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar flew to New Delhi on Wednesday, 10 June to hold urgent consultations with the Congress high command, as simmering discontent over portfolio allocations in the newly sworn-in Karnataka cabinet threatened to spill into open rebellion. The visit underscores the pressure the party leadership faces to manage competing ambitions among newly inducted ministers and senior legislators.
Muniyappa's Portfolio Grievance
Shivakumar was accompanied to Delhi by Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, a seven-time Congress MP, who is reportedly pressing for a change in his ministerial assignment. Muniyappa had publicly stated days earlier that he wanted a portfolio through which he could 'serve the poor,' and had initially refused to assume charge of the Food and Civil Supplies ministry. He withdrew that position only after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi personally intervened and spoke with him directly.
Jayachandra and Others Press Their Cases
Senior Congress leader and seven-time MLA T.B. Jayachandra has also reportedly expressed disappointment at being left out of the cabinet entirely. Those close to him say Jayachandra feels he has not been given a position commensurate with his seniority and legislative experience, and he is said to be meeting senior party leaders in Delhi to press his case.
Former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, considered a close associate of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, appeared visibly upset when reporters questioned him about his ministerial aspirations and protests by his supporters demanding a cabinet berth for him. Khan, however, declined to comment and walked away from the press.
Krishna Byre Gowda Yet to Assume Charge
Reports have also emerged that minister Krishna Byre Gowda has not yet assumed charge of his assigned portfolio, adding another layer of complexity to the cabinet formation. Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil expressed confidence that the party high command would resolve the matter, stating: 'The matter will be sorted out by the high command, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC General Secretaries Randeep Singh Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal, and Siddaramaiah. The party will take care of it. Has Krishna Byre Gowda himself said anything? Even the issue involving Ramalinga Reddy has been resolved.'
Patil Dismisses Deputy CM Speculation
Patil also moved to quell reports that he was unhappy about not being appointed Deputy Chief Minister. 'There is no dissatisfaction over not being made Deputy Chief Minister. There are certain criteria for the post. G. Parameshwara is a senior leader and served as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President for eight years. It was appropriate to appoint him as Deputy Chief Minister, and I am happy with that decision,' Patil said.
What Happens Next
The Congress high command now faces the challenge of balancing caste equations, seniority claims, and regional representation within the Karnataka cabinet — a familiar post-election exercise that, if mishandled, could weaken the government's early momentum. With Shivakumar in Delhi and multiple grievances on the table, a cabinet reshuffle or portfolio reassignment cannot be ruled out in the days ahead.
Point of View
Seniority, and faction was not fully worked out before the swearing-in. Shivakumar's Delhi dash this early in the government's life is a warning sign. If the high command cannot settle these grievances quickly and visibly, the narrative of internal discord will overshadow the Congress's policy agenda in Karnataka before it even begins.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar travel to Delhi on 10 June?
Shivakumar flew to New Delhi on 10 June to hold consultations with the Congress high command over growing discontent among ministers and senior legislators regarding portfolio allocations in the newly formed Karnataka cabinet. Multiple ministers and at least one senior MLA are reportedly pressing for changes.
Why is Minister KH Muniyappa unhappy with his portfolio?
Muniyappa, a seven-time Congress MP, has stated he wants a portfolio through which he can serve the poor, and initially refused to assume charge of the Food and Civil Supplies ministry. He withdrew his objection only after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi personally spoke with him, according to reports.
Who else is dissatisfied in the Karnataka cabinet?
Seven-time MLA T.B. Jayachandra is reportedly upset over being excluded from the cabinet, feeling his seniority was not adequately recognised. Former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan also appeared unhappy about not receiving a cabinet berth, though he declined to comment publicly.
Has the Deputy Chief Minister appointment caused any rift?
Minister M.B. Patil has publicly dismissed reports of dissatisfaction over the Deputy CM post, endorsing G. Parameshwara's appointment on the grounds of his seniority and eight years as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President.
What is the issue with Krishna Byre Gowda?
Reports indicate that minister Krishna Byre Gowda has not yet assumed charge of his assigned portfolio. Senior minister M.B. Patil has said the matter will be resolved by the party high command, including CM Shivakumar, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and other senior leaders.
