Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is set to depart for New Delhi at 9.30 am on Wednesday, 10 June, as cabinet-related tensions within the state government escalate, with senior leaders and ministerial aspirants converging on the capital to press their claims ahead of a second-phase reshuffle. This will be Shivakumar's first visit to Delhi since assuming the chief ministership.

Key Developments

Minister for Bengaluru Development Krishna Byre Gowda has already arrived in Delhi, reportedly lobbying for the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) to be brought under his portfolio. He is accompanied by MLA Rizwan Arshad, who is himself seeking a ministerial berth. Scores of other legislators, including Ajay Singh and Srinivas Mane, have also made their way to Delhi to stake their claims.

Shivakumar's Delhi Agenda

During his visit, the Chief Minister is expected to call on senior Indian National Congress (INC) leaders — Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra — to express gratitude following his appointment. Shivakumar is also scheduled to attend the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on 11 June. His return schedule is yet to be finalised, according to sources, who added that he will hold discussions with the party high command on cabinet expansion.

Dissatisfaction Over Portfolio Allocations

Senior ministers are reportedly dissatisfied with existing portfolio allocations, adding pressure to the reshuffle process. Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who had earlier reconsidered his decision to not take charge following intervention from Rahul Gandhi, confirmed he has conveyed his preferences to the party leadership.

'I will abide by the high command's decision. I have requested a portfolio through which I can serve the poor. I am a disciplined soldier and have already taken charge and begun work. The high command is aware of my seniority and will decide,' Muniyappa said.

What Senior Leaders Are Saying

Former minister K.N. Rajanna acknowledged the discontent, noting that differences are natural in politics. He indicated that Krishna Byre Gowda's portfolio concerns would eventually be resolved, and separately noted that Muniyappa had reportedly sought the Social Welfare portfolio.

Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said portfolio allocations are decided after consultations between the Chief Minister and the party high command, and that individual concerns would be addressed in due course.

What Happens Next

The Congress high command is preparing to take a final call on the second phase of cabinet expansion as lobbying intensifies. The outcome of Shivakumar's meetings in Delhi — particularly with the Gandhi family leadership — is expected to shape the contours of the reshuffle. All eyes are now on the party's central leadership to broker a settlement that satisfies competing factions within the Karnataka government.