DK Shivakumar keeps finance, Siddaramaiah loyalists secure key berths in new Karnataka cabinet

BENGALURU: Intense lobbying for key departments — Bengaluru urban development, revenue, and water resources, among others — has delayed allocation of portfolios in the newly formed cabinet under chief minister DK Shivakumar.Contrary to indications that the list would be finalized by Thursday evening, negotiations remained inconclusive and also owing to a high-profile party event on the morrow. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru on Friday as AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge files nomination for the Rajya Sabha at Vidhana Soudha. Senior leaders are expected to use the huddle to finalise the list of ministers.The list approved by the chief minister is yet to reach Lok Bhavan. The CM is expected to keep finance, intelligence, department of personnel and administrative reforms and other portfolios not assigned to other ministers yet.Ramalinga Reddy, senior minister and prominent Vokkaliga leader from the city, has reportedly demanded the Bengaluru urban development portfolio, saying he would step down if his request was denied. Reddy, slated to get water resources, reportedly met Shivakumar to deliver an ultimatum: “Allocate Bengaluru development or accept my exit.” Sources claimed that Reddy has “submitted” his resignation.The dispute carries baggage from the previous Siddaramaiah-led Congress govt. At that time, the high command had reportedly favoured Reddy for Bengaluru development. However, Shivakumar had opted to retain the department with an understanding that it would change hands if he assumed the chief minister’s office.Krishna Byre Gowda — another frontrunner — is now urging the party to allow him to retain the revenue portfolio he had held in the previous administration. “I’ve done a lot of good work, but it is incomplete still. It will be good if I continue with that,” he said.Adding to govt’s challenges, minority community leaders have raised demands for greater representation. At a convention in Bengaluru Wednesday evening, Muslim religious leaders and clerics urged Congress to induct five ministers, including BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, NA Haris, Tanveer Sait, and Saleem Ahmed.Addressing the gathering, a prominent religious leader said, “If five Muslims are not given cabinet berth, then you will face serious consequences in the coming days.”As per the provisional list, deputy CM G Parameshwara has been allotted revenue, youth empowerment and sports. MB Patil will continue to handle industries; KJ George retains energy and has been given additional charge of tourism. KH Muniyappa will continue to oversee food and civil supplies, and Ramalinga Reddy has been assigned water resources. Satish Jarkiholi will remain in charge of public works.UT Khader will head health and family welfare. Krishna Byre Gowda has been entrusted with Bengaluru urban development, while Priyank Kharge will handle home and IT-BT. Yathindra Siddaramaiah has been allotted urban development, and Sharana Prakash Patil will take charge of medical education. Byrathi Suresh has been assigned transport, and Eshwar Khandre will oversee rural development and panchayat raj.