Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday formally allocated portfolios to members of the newly constituted Cabinet led by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, a day after the swearing-in ceremony of the new Council of Ministers. The portfolio distribution marks the first major administrative step of the new government following the leadership transition from former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
According to the official notification issued by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has retained key departments including Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Intelligence, along with all unallocated portfolios.
Priyank Kharge Gets Home Portfolio
Among the prominent allocations, senior Congress leader Priyank Kharge has been entrusted with the Home Department (excluding Intelligence). He will also oversee the Information Technology & Biotechnology (IT & BT) and E-Governance departments, placing him at the centre of both internal administration and the state’s technology agenda.
The portfolio assignment is being seen as a significant responsibility for Kharge, who has previously handled key departments and played an active role in the government’s digital governance initiatives.
Key Ministers Retain Important Departments
Several senior ministers have retained portfolios they handled in the previous government. K.H. Muniyappa continues as Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, while M.B. Patil remains in charge of Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development.
Sathish Jarkiholi has retained the Public Works Department, and Sharan Prakash Patil will continue to oversee Medical Education, with the additional responsibility of Skill Development.
Deputy CM Parameshwara Gets Revenue
Deputy Chief Minister D. Parameshwara has been assigned the Revenue Department along with Sports, giving him charge of one of the state’s most significant administrative portfolios.
Meanwhile, K.J. George will handle Energy and Tourism, while Eshwar Khandre has been entrusted with the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department.
Bengaluru Development Gets Dedicated Focus
Senior leader Krishna Byregowda has been given responsibility for the newly expanded Greater Bengaluru Development portfolio. His charge includes the Greater Bengaluru Authority, the five city corporations of Bengaluru, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
The move reflects the government’s focus on urban infrastructure, mobility and civic governance in the state capital.
New Responsibilities for U.T. Khader and Yathindra Siddaramaiah
Former Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, who recently resigned from the constitutional post to join the Cabinet, has been assigned the Health and Family Welfare Department.
In his Cabinet debut, Yathindra Siddaramaiah has been entrusted with the Urban Development Department, including the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB), Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC), Urban Development Authorities and Local Planning Authorities, excluding agencies already assigned under Greater Bengaluru Development.
Transport and Other Key Portfolios
Byrathi Suresh has been appointed Minister for Transport, while several other important departments have been distributed among senior Cabinet colleagues as part of the government’s effort to balance administrative experience, regional representation and governance priorities.
Full List of Portfolio Allocations
- DK Shivakumar – Finance, Cabinet Affairs, DPAR, Intelligence and all unallocated portfolios
- D. Parameshwara – Revenue, Sports
- K.H. Muniyappa – Food & Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs
- K.J. George – Energy, Tourism
- M.B. Patil – Large & Medium Industries, Infrastructure Development
- Sathish Jarkiholi – Public Works
- Krishna Byregowda – Greater Bengaluru Development, BWSSB, BMRCL and Bengaluru city corporations
- Priyank Kharge – Home (excluding Intelligence), IT & BT, E-Governance
- U.T. Khader – Health & Family Welfare
- Eshwar Khandre – Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
- Yathindra Siddaramaiah – Urban Development
- Byrathi Suresh – Transport
- Sharan Prakash Patil – Medical Education & Skill Development
Cabinet Expansion Expected
A total of 13 ministers were sworn in alongside Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Sources indicated that the Cabinet is likely to be expanded in the coming weeks, with Karnataka permitted to have a 34-member Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister.
Also Read | Karnataka Transfers Two IAS Officers; Tushar Giri Nath Appointed ACS to Chief Minister
The portfolio allocation provides clarity on the new government’s governance structure as it begins its term with a focus on administration, infrastructure development, urban governance and economic growth.
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