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Shivakumar will discuss the matter with the Congress leadership in Delhi.
Even after the cabinet expansion in Karnataka, things do not seem to be calm within the Congress. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is now going to Delhi to meet the top leadership of the party. It is believed that during this time, along with the distribution of departments among the ministers, some other changes in the cabinet may also be discussed.
In the recent cabinet expansion, the party had tried to give representation to different regions and ethnic groups. Despite this, reports of resentment among some leaders and MLAs are coming to light. In such a situation, Shivakumar faces the challenge of maintaining balance in the cabinet as well as handling the voices rising within the party.
Another issue that is being discussed in this entire incident is the absence of a prominent female face in the cabinet. Questions are being raised within the party as to why women did not get adequate representation despite such a huge expansion. This is the reason why the possible reshuffle is not being considered limited only to the division of departments.
Why is Shivakumar going to Delhi and what can be discussed?
DK Shivakumar’s visit to Delhi is being considered important in view of the current situation of Karnataka Congress. The talks with the party leadership may include discussions on allocating portfolios to new ministers and possible changes in some ministries.
After the cabinet expansion, many MLAs have their eyes on important departments. The distribution of portfolios is often not just an administrative decision, but also indicates the balance of power within the party. Therefore, it will not be easy for Shivakumar to handle different claims and expectations regarding the departments.
Apart from this, dissatisfaction within the party can also be placed before the Delhi leadership. The challenge for the Chief Minister will be to ensure that there is no perception of giving more importance to any one region or group and the message of representation to all sections remains intact.
Why are questions being raised even after caste and regional balance?
During the cabinet expansion, Congress tried to maintain caste and regional balance. By giving space to leaders from different regions, the party kept in mind the broader political equations of the state. But despite this, it has not been possible to satisfy all the leaders.
Regional representation has special importance in the politics of Karnataka. Leaders from different parts of Karnataka, including North Karnataka, Old Mysore region, coastal areas and Bengaluru, have their own political influence. In such a situation, there is always political discussion about how much space each sector gets in the cabinet.
Now, during the possible change, Congress will have to strike this balance again. While a leader getting a ministerial post or an important department may increase enthusiasm among his supporters, ignoring another leader may also increase resentment within the party.
Why did the lack of women faces in the cabinet become a big issue?
After the cabinet expansion, questions have also been raised regarding women’s representation. For a national party like Congress, this issue is important from both political and social perspectives. The presence of a strong female face in the cabinet can also send a positive message for the party among women voters and workers.
If women’s representation does not appear adequate despite the expansion, the opposition could use it to attack the government. Apart from this, it is natural for women leaders and workers to raise questions about their participation within the party.
That is why there is a possibility of discussion on women’s representation in the possible reshuffle. However, it is not yet clear which leaders will be given a chance in case of change or which ministers’ departments will be changed.
Can the faces of ministers also change along with the departments?
The biggest question after Shivakumar’s visit to Delhi is whether the Congress leadership will only decide on the division of departments or some other changes will also be made in the cabinet. Considering the ongoing resentment within the party, the second option also cannot be ruled out.
The biggest challenge for the Chief Minister will be to maintain political balance. On one hand, he has to give responsibilities to the new ministers, while on the other hand, he also has to handle the resentment of the old leaders. Along with this, the question of women’s representation along with regional and ethnic equations also comes to the fore.
At present, everyone’s eyes are on Shivakumar’s talks with the Congress leadership. After returning from Delhi, the picture of the division of departments and possible changes may become clear. It is certain that the internal turmoil that started after the cabinet expansion has posed a new political challenge for the Karnataka Congress.
