Lobbying Intensifies For Cabinet Berths In Karnataka

The discussion is particularly intense in coastal and north Karnataka districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Haveri, Ballari and Vijayanagara, which despite contributing to the Congress tally in the 2023 Assembly elections, failed to secure cabinet representation in the Siddaramaiah government. The absence of ministers from these districts has remained a sore point, especially since they have been overseen by in‑charge ministers from outside.

With the cabinet set to be reconstituted under new leadership, political equations within the ruling party have turned fluid. While some senior ministers are expected to retain influence, many aspirants see the transition as their best chance to enter the cabinet.

Dakshina Kannada presents a case in point. The district has two Congress MLAs — Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader and first‑time MLA Ashok Kumar Rai. Khader, a prominent minority face, had handled portfolios such as Health and Housing between 2013 and 2018, but was elected Speaker after the Congress returned to power in 2023. Since the district lacked cabinet representation, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao was appointed in‑charge.

Within the party, there is growing sentiment that Khader’s political and administrative abilities are underutilised in a constitutional role. “Khader has strong grassroots connect and enjoys goodwill across communities. Many feel moving him to the Speaker’s post was not the best decision. If the leadership wants stronger coastal representation, he remains the natural choice,” a senior Congress leader told Deccan Chronicle. Sources said Khader could emerge as a contender if the party rebalances regional representation.

Similar demands are surfacing in Haveri, where the Congress won all six constituencies but failed to secure a cabinet berth. Workers argue that denying representation despite a clean sweep has disappointed the grassroots. Leaders like Rudrappa Lamani, made Deputy Speaker instead of minister, are cited as deserving candidates.

In Vijayanagara, despite two MLAs, no berth was allocated. MLA Gaviyappa’s name is doing the rounds as workers demand direct representation. Ballari, politically sensitive, lost representation after B. Nagendra resigned over the Valmiki Development Corporation scam. Supporters want him reinstated.

Raichur, with four Congress MLAs, saw its cabinet slot go to MLC N.S. Boseraju, while Sharan Prakash Patil from Kalaburagi was made in‑charge. The race here is between Sindhanur MLA Hampanagouda Badarli and Raichur Rural MLA Basanagouda Daddal.

In Dharwad, Kalghatgi MLA Santosh Lad remains influential, but if not accommodated, workers want a new face. Former minister Vinay Kulkarni is out of contention after conviction, opening the field for Abbayya Prasad and N.H. Konaraddi. Supporters of Prasad cite his Scheduled Caste background and proximity to Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar.

Udupi poses a different challenge, with the BJP sweeping all seats. Congress appointed Belagavi leader Laxmi Hebbalkar as in‑charge, but workers argue coastal Karnataka needs stronger local representation. Names such as MLCs Ivan D’Souza and Manjunath Bhandary are being discussed.

Belagavi remains the best example of intense competition. Despite already having two powerful ministers — Satish Jarkiholi and Laxmi Hebbalkar — several leaders continue to push for inclusion, including Ashok Pattan, Ganesh Hukkeri, Mahantesh Koujalagi and former deputy CM Lakshman Savadi.

With caste equations, regional balance, electoral performance and factional considerations all in play, the Congress leadership faces the difficult task of accommodating competing interests without triggering fresh resentment.