Karnataka Cabinet Expanded, Nineteen Ministers Sworn
Karnataka government inducts 19 new cabinet ministers. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expands his ministry. Governor Thawarchand Gehlot administers oath of office. Cabinet strength rises to 33 members. Expansion comes two months after government formation. Karnataka Cabinet Expanded with 19 New Ministers
The Karnataka Congress government on Monday expanded its Council of Ministers, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inducting 19 new ministers into the state cabinet. The expansion comes nearly two months after Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister, marking a significant step in strengthening the new government's administrative structure and political representation across the state.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, where Governor Thawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers. The cabinet expansion increases the total strength of the Karnataka ministry to 33 members, bringing it closer to its full permitted size under constitutional provisions.
The leaders sworn in as ministers include Narendra Swamy, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Rudrappa Lamani, Basavanthappa, Nagendra, Raghumurthy, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rizwan Arshad, Santosh Lad, Madhu Bangarappa, Putturanga Shetty, S.S. Mallikarjun, Ajay Singh, Chaluvaraya Swamy, Shivalinge Gowda, Balakrishna, Basavaraju Rayareddy, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, and Laxman Savadi. The new team reflects a mix of experienced legislators and regional representatives.
The cabinet expansion is expected to improve governance by allocating responsibilities across key departments while ensuring broader representation of different regions and communities within the ruling Congress party. Political observers also view the move as an effort to strike a balance between senior leaders, first-time ministers, and various social groups ahead of future political challenges.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior Congress leaders and government officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, members of the state cabinet, MLAs, MLCs, Members of Parliament, and AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. Their participation highlighted the significance of the cabinet expansion for the party and the government.
With the induction of the new ministers, the D.K. Shivakumar-led Karnataka government is expected to accelerate policy implementation, administrative reforms, and development initiatives across the state. Portfolio allocation among the newly sworn-in ministers is likely to be announced shortly, paving the way for the expanded cabinet to begin its functioning.