Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has cultivated his political reputation as the Congress’ troubleshooter. During crises facing the party, he has stepped in to manage disgruntled leaders, internal disagreements and organisational challenges. The troubleshooting experience might prove useful for the politician in managing the discontent brewing within his own government.
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Sources suggest senior ministers are seeking portfolios that offer greater administrative and political influence. Basavaraj Rayareddi is reportedly keen on the Finance portfolio, currently held by Shivakumar, with the stated objective of strengthening tax collections. KM Shivalinge Gowda and former Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy are reportedly pursuing the Agriculture department. Jarkiholi is also reportedly eyeing Youth Empowerment and Sports, currently held by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara.
19 ministers inducted in the second phase of the Cabinet expansion are still waiting for their portfolios. Of the sanctioned 34 ministerial positions, 33 have been filled, but the distribution of departments remains incomplete.
The chief minister had rushed to Delhi on Sunday to seek Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s approval for a “minor” Cabinet rejig aimed at placating disgruntled senior MLAs. He is also said to be seeking the Planning and Programme Monitoring department to work on implementing recommendations of the Govinda Rao committee on regional imbalance. PM Narendraswamy and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi are said to be seeking the Social Welfare portfolio.
