Mysuru: With Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar set to take oath as Chief Minister on June 3, political activity has intensified across the Old Mysuru region as legislators and party leaders lobby for representation in the new Cabinet. The leadership transition follows the resignation of Siddaramaiah on May 28, paving the way for a new government under Shivakumar.
The impending Cabinet formation has triggered intense speculation within Congress ranks, with several MLAs from Mysuru, Hassan, Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts emerging as potential contenders for ministerial positions. Party workers and local leaders are pressing for adequate representation based on regional and community considerations.
Competition intensifies for ministerial positions
As Shivakumar prepares to assume office, expectations are growing among Congress legislators seeking a place in the new Council of Ministers. Reports suggest that the Cabinet may be formed in phases, adding further uncertainty regarding who will be accommodated in the first round.
The Old Mysuru region remains politically significant for the Congress and is regarded as one of the party’s strongest support bases. Consequently, local leaders argue that the region deserves substantial representation in the new administration.
Political observers note that balancing regional interests, caste equations and community representation will be among the key challenges facing the incoming Chief Minister.
Mysuru district leaders seek greater representation
Mysuru district has a sizeable Congress presence in the Assembly. Besides Siddaramaiah from Varuna, the district is represented by legislators including Tanveer Sait, K Harish Gowda, Darshan Dhruvanarayan, H C Mahadevappa, K Venkatesh, D Ravishankar and Anil Chikkamadu.
Among them, Mahadevappa and Venkatesh were ministers in the outgoing government. Supporters of Mahadevappa are reportedly optimistic not only about his retention but also about the possibility of his elevation to a Deputy Chief Minister’s position.
There is also growing demand from minority community leaders for adequate representation in the Cabinet. Tanveer Sait has previously indicated his interest in a ministerial berth, while community leaders hope at least three minority representatives will be included in the new ministry.
Meanwhile, political circles continue to discuss the possible elevation of Yathindra Siddaramaiah to a significant position in the new government.
Hassan district eyes first Cabinet berth
In neighbouring Hassan district, K M Shivalingegowda is being viewed as a strong contender for ministerial office.
Shivalingegowda, who left the Janata Dal (Secular) before the 2023 Assembly elections and joined Congress, successfully won on a Congress ticket. He currently serves as Chairman of the Karnataka Housing Board and has publicly stated that he was assured a ministerial position by senior party leaders when he joined the Congress.
Party workers in Hassan believe his inclusion would strengthen the Congress in a district traditionally considered a stronghold of the JD(S).
Chamarajanagar leaders seek overdue representation
Congress leaders in Chamarajanagar district have intensified their demand for representation, arguing that the district did not receive a Cabinet berth in the outgoing government.
The district has three Congress MLAs — C Puttarangashetty, A R Krishnamurthy and H M Ganesh Prasad.
Puttarangashetty is considered a strong contender due to his representation of the Uppara community, while Krishnamurthy enjoys support from Scheduled Caste leaders. Congress workers argue that the district deserves direct representation in the Cabinet after missing out during the previous term.
Mandya leaders push for larger share
Mandya district is another region witnessing intense lobbying. The Congress and its allies performed strongly in the district, winning five of the seven Assembly constituencies.
Former Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy remains a key figure in the district. At the same time, supporters of Ramesh Bandisiddegowda and P M Narendraswamy are actively seeking Cabinet representation.
Party workers believe Shivakumar, who enjoys strong support among the Vokkaliga community, may consider multiple appointments from Mandya to consolidate the party’s influence in the region.
Cabinet formation under close watch
The final composition of the Cabinet is expected to be closely scrutinised as Congress attempts to balance regional aspirations and social representation while ensuring political stability.
With the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 3, attention has now shifted to the list of ministers who will accompany Shivakumar into office. While lobbying continues behind the scenes, the final decisions are expected to be made in consultation with the Congress high command.
Conclusion
As Karnataka prepares for a new political chapter under D K Shivakumar, leaders from the Old Mysuru region are making a strong push for representation in the new Cabinet. With demands emerging from Mysuru, Hassan, Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts, the Cabinet formation process is likely to be a delicate exercise in balancing regional interests, community representation and party dynamics.