Karnataka Cabinet Reshuffle Deferred as AICC Puts Rejig on Hold

Bengaluru: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has decided to defer the proposed Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle, extending uncertainty over the long-awaited expansion and reallocation of ministerial portfolios.

The decision comes amid ongoing consultations between the Congress high command and senior state leaders following dissatisfaction among several MLAs who were left out of the recent Cabinet expansion.

According to party sources, the reshuffle has not been cancelled but postponed to allow more time for discussions and consensus-building. The Congress leadership is keen to ensure that the exercise reflects regional representation, caste balance, governance priorities and organisational interests.

The postponement follows a series of meetings involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and senior AICC leaders, including Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. The leadership has been working to address concerns raised by legislators seeking ministerial berths.

Several Congress MLAs have reportedly expressed disappointment over their exclusion from the Cabinet, prompting the party's central leadership to step in and prevent internal differences from escalating.

Party leaders have maintained that the Congress remains united and that Cabinet formation is an internal organisational matter. They have urged legislators to avoid public statements and continue focusing on governance and the implementation of the government's welfare programmes.

Political observers say the delay reflects the Congress leadership's attempt to balance competing aspirations within the party while maintaining stability in the Siddaramaiah-led government.

The Karnataka government continues to enjoy a comfortable majority in the Assembly, and the postponement of the reshuffle is not expected to affect its legislative functioning. However, the eventual Cabinet exercise will be closely watched for its political implications within the ruling party.

The AICC is expected to announce a fresh date for the Cabinet reshuffle after completing consultations with state leaders and resolving pending issues.