Karnataka expands cabinet, 20 legislators sworn in on Aug 3

The Karnataka government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expanded its cabinet on Monday, August 3, with 20 legislators taking their oaths at a ceremony in Bengaluru. The swearing-in, held at Lok Bhavan, fills the council of ministers to its full strength of 34, including the chief minister, following a leadership change earlier this summer.

The final list of ministers was approved by the Congress party's national leadership, including president Mallikarjun Kharge. The expanded cabinet features 12 new faces alongside eight returning ministers. The sole woman inductee is Gayathri Shanthegowda, a member of the Legislative Council. Other notable appointments include former ministers B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan and B. Nagendra, whose inclusions have drawn attention due to past controversies. Nagendra had resigned from a previous cabinet in June 2024 over allegations linked to a development corporation scam, while Khan had faced accusations of anti-party activity during a by-election.

Ahead of the ceremony, Chief Minister Shivakumar addressed discontent among legislators who were not included, urging patience. He recalled his own experience of initially missing out on a ministerial...