Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expanded his cabinet to full strength by inducting 20 new ministers, but the move has ignited dissent within the Congress party, with several MLAs accusing the leadership of favouring turncoats over loyalists.
The expansion, which filled all available berths, brought in new faces, key political leaders, and notable comebacks. However, the process was marred by confusion and last-minute changes. Mankal Vaidya, who was initially named in the first list of ministers, was later dropped. Gayathri Shanthegowda, the only woman in the list, was not sworn in.
The developments led to protests as disappointed leaders questioned the cabinet choices. Reacting to the growing dissent, Shivakumar acknowledged that many deserving and senior legislators could not be accommodated in the ministry and urged them to remain patient and not lose hope.