Today is the big day for Karnataka congress. After months of internal conflicts within Congress, on Wednesday, D.K. Shivakumar took oath as the new Karnataka CM. The internal power-broking between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar started after the Congress landslide in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls, with a decision to split the CM’s term into two parts.
The oath ceremony at Bengaluru’s Lok Bhavan was attended by senior Congress leaders, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, congress chief ministers, religious leaders, farmers, Dalits, students, Kannada activists.
What Early Decisions Has the Shivakumar Government Announced?
Soon after taking oath, the Shivakumar-led administration outlined early governance priorities focused on public welfare. Key initiatives include:
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Free bus travel for students
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Incentives for dairy farmers
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Time-bound government recruitment process
Officials said these measures are part of the government’s immediate welfare agenda aimed at strengthening grassroots support.
Deputy Chief Minister in Karnataka Cabinet
As part of the new power structure, senior Congress leader G. Parameshwara is set to serve as Deputy Chief Minister.
He is expected to handle the Home Department, though final portfolio allocations are still awaiting official government notification.
DK Shivakumar Ministry 2026: Full List of Ministers
Here is the list of leaders set to join the new Karnataka Cabinet:
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G. Parameshwara
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K.H. Muniyappa
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K.J. George
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M.B. Patil
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Ramalinga Reddy
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Sathish Jarkiholi
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Krishna Byre Gowda
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Priyank Kharge
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U.T. Khader
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Eshwar Khandre
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Yathindra Siddaramaiah
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Byrathi Suresh
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Sharan Prakash Patil
The government has said that portfolios are yet to be finalised and will be announced in phases.
What Is the Cabinet Expansion Plan? Two-Phase Minister Induction Explained
According to Congress MLA T.B. Jayachandra, the party high command has approved a two-phase cabinet formation plan.
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First batch of ministers sworn in with the Chief Minister
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Second expansion expected after June 18, following Rajya Sabha elections
This phased approach is aimed at balancing regional and factional representation within the party.
Who Are the Key Faces in the New Karnataka Cabinet?
The new cabinet features a mix of experienced leaders and next-generation politicians:
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K.J. George – Veteran Bengaluru leader, expected to play a key role in urban governance
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M.B. Patil – Senior Lingayat leader with strong administrative experience
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Ramalinga Reddy – Veteran from Bengaluru politics and transport administration
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Sathish Jarkiholi – Influential leader from North Karnataka
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Eshwar Khandre – Prominent Lingayat face from North Karnataka
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K.H. Muniyappa – Former Union Minister and seven-time MP
Younger leaders also feature prominently:
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Priyank Kharge – Son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge
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Yathindra Siddaramaiah – Son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
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Krishna Byre Gowda – Known for policy expertise and administrative focus
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Byrathi Suresh – Strong Bengaluru political presence
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Sharan Prakash Patil – Doctor-turned-politician from Kalyana Karnataka region
Will Siddaramaiah Continue Living in CM Residence?
Despite the leadership transition, reports suggest that Siddaramaiah will continue residing in the official Chief Minister’s bungalow until 2028.
Under an internal understanding, D.K. Shivakumar will initially stay in an alternative government-allotted residence designated for the Chief Minister.
With portfolios still under final review, the Karnataka government is expected to release an official notification soon. The second phase of cabinet expansion after Rajya Sabha elections will further define the balance of power within the Shivakumar-led administration.
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