Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Adds 20 Ministers, Swearing In

The long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet was finalized on Monday, August 3, 2026, with 20 new ministers set to be sworn in at Bengaluru's Lok Bhavan, ending nearly two months of political suspense. The move, approved by the Congress party's high command, aims to fill the state's ministry to its full constitutional strength of 34, including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

The swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for 4:05 p.m. on Monday. Shivakumar was sworn in as chief minister on June 3 alongside a deputy chief minister and 12 other ministers, leaving 20 positions vacant. The delay in finalizing the expansion was attributed to extensive consultations within the party leadership over regional representation, caste equations, and balancing the interests of various factions.

Despite the resolution, the announcement triggered immediate and widespread discontent within the Congress party's ranks. Several legislators who were overlooked for ministerial berths threatened to resign from their Assembly memberships, while supporters staged protests in various districts. Chief Minister Shivakumar appealed for patience, acknowledging that many deserving and senior leaders could not...