The Congress high command on Tuesday, 2 June intensified consultations in New Delhi to finalise the Karnataka cabinet list, with Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar set to be sworn in on Wednesday evening, 3 June. Party sources indicated the names of ministers taking oath alongside Shivakumar were expected to be confirmed by Tuesday night following a marathon round of deliberations.

Key Deliberations at Kharge's Residence

A high-level meeting was held at the residence of All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge, attended by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar. Both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah had already submitted their respective cabinet recommendations to the central leadership, which reviewed the lists on Monday before beginning the final consolidation.

Cabinet Composition Strategy

According to party sources, the Congress leadership is keen on balancing experienced hands with fresh faces — a strategy aimed at strengthening governance ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections. Around 8 to 10 new faces are likely to be inducted, a move that has reportedly caused unease among several senior leaders seeking ministerial continuity. The party is also said to be reserving a majority of berths for leaders in the 50–70 age group, with approximately 10 positions earmarked for first-time ministers.

Phased Oath-Taking and Expansion Plan

The Congress leadership is considering administering the oath to around 10 to 12 senior leaders in the first phase on 3 June. A broader cabinet expansion is expected after the completion of Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. Under constitutional provisions, Karnataka can have a maximum of 34 ministers, including the Chief Minister. The party has reportedly prepared both a shortlist of likely inductees and an assessment of leaders who may be left out.

KPCC Leadership and Lobbying

Discussions also touched on the future of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidency, a post currently held by Shivakumar, which will need to be filled once he assumes the Chief Minister's office. Meanwhile, several Karnataka Congress leaders camped in New Delhi and were actively lobbying for cabinet berths.

What Leaders Said

Former Minister K.J. George, speaking to reporters, expressed confidence that the deliberations would conclude with a finalised list on Tuesday. 'There is a meeting going on today, and the list is expected to be finalised. Tomorrow is the swearing-in ceremony. I am a worker of the Congress party, and whatever the high command decides, I am committed to it,' George said.

With the oath ceremony hours away, all eyes are on whether the Congress high command can reconcile competing factional claims and present a cabinet that holds together the party's post-election coalition in Karnataka.