DK Shivakumar-led Karnataka cabinet portfolio allocation: CM keeps Finance, Law among others — who gets what?

DK Shivakumar Led Karnataka Cabinet: Complete Portfolio Allocation Details

Theindiapostdaily.com – Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday unveiled the comprehensive portfolio allocation for his newly formed cabinet, marking a significant reshuffle just 10 days after inducting fresh faces into the government. The DK Shivakumar led Karnataka cabinet now reflects a balanced distribution of responsibilities across various departments, with several ministers retaining their key portfolios while others received new assignments. Notably, the current cabinet composition does not include any woman ministers, a point that has drawn attention from political observers.

Among the most significant retainments, Chief Minister Shivakumar has kept critical portfolios including Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Intelligence, Information, Law and Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation, and Agriculture Marketing under his direct supervision. Additionally, he will continue to oversee Town and Country Planning along with urban local bodies administered through the Bangalore Development Authority and Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA).

New Minister Assignments and Reshuffles

The portfolio distribution saw several notable changes, with BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan receiving the Housing Department and Lakshman Savadi being entrusted with the Co-operation portfolio. Rudrappa Manappa Lamani, who recently stepped down as Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, has been assigned the combined charge of Sugar and Textiles departments. The Chief Minister also addressed concerns by reassinging departments held by two ministers who had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with their earlier allocations.

Significant shifts occurred in other areas as well. Ramalinga Reddy has been moved from Major Irrigation to Forest, Ecology and Environment, while KH Muniyappa transitioned from Food and Civil Supplies to Social Welfare. Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader received additional responsibilities including Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf portfolios. Meanwhile, Shivaraj Tangadagi will oversee Backward Classes Welfare alongside Kannada and Culture, and T Raghumurthy has been given charge of ST Welfare.

Further assignments include Ajay Singh handling Minor Irrigation and Science and Technology, Cheluvarayaswamy looking after Major and Medium Irrigation, and Madhu Bangarappa being allocated Primary and Secondary Education. Basavaraj Raya Reddy will manage Higher Education, while Shivalinge Gowda has been assigned the Excise portfolio. Puttaranga Shetty will oversee Animal Husbandry and Sericulture, and Vijayananda Kashappanavar will handle Small Scale Industries and Public Enterprises.

Santosh Lad has been given Labour and Employment responsibilities. KS Basvanthappa will look after Muzrai, Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport, while SS Mallikarjun has been assigned Mines and Geology as well as Horticulture. Rizwan Arshad will handle Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Narendra Swamy will oversee Agriculture, and HC Balakrishna has been given Municipal Administration. B Nagendra will be responsible for Planning and Statistics.

The DK Shivakumar led Karnataka cabinet expansion on 3 August brought the total strength to 33 ministers, with one position still vacant. The portfolio allocation announcement came a day before the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka legislature was scheduled to begin.

Political Secretary Appointment

In a separate development, the Karnataka government appointed Congress MLA AS Ponnanna as Political Secretary to Chief Minister Shivakumar, granting him the status of a Cabinet Minister. This appointment follows the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) nomination of Ponnanna as its candidate for the post of Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

An official notification stated: “AS Ponnanna, Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Virajpet Assembly Constituency, is hereby appointed as the Political Secretary to the chief minister with immediate effect and until further orders, and is accorded the status of a Cabinet Minister.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ministers are in the DK Shivakumar led Karnataka cabinet?

The cabinet currently has 33 ministers, with one position remaining vacant following the recent expansion that added 19 new members on 3 August.

Which portfolios did Chief Minister Shivakumar retain?

Shivakumar kept Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Intelligence, Information, Law and Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation, Agriculture Marketing, and Town and Country Planning among his responsibilities.

Who was appointed as Political Secretary to the Chief Minister?

Congress MLA AS Ponnanna from the Virajpet Assembly Constituency was appointed as Political Secretary with the status of a Cabinet Minister.

When was the portfolio allocation announced?

The portfolio allocation was announced on Wednesday, a day before the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka legislature was scheduled to begin.