With DK Shivakumar set to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister, discussions have intensified over cabinet positions, deputy chief minister posts
May 31, 2026: DK Shivakumar is set to become Karnataka’s next chief minister on June 3 after being unanimously elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party. The leadership transition follows the resignation of Siddaramaiah, who stepped down after serving as the state’s chief minister. Following his election, Shivakumar met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and staked claim to form the new government.
Attention has now shifted to the composition of Shivakumar’s cabinet. Reports suggest that Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, is among those seeking a ministerial berth. Yathindra has openly expressed interest in joining the cabinet and stated that several senior Congress leaders support his political growth. Discussions are also underway regarding deputy chief minister positions, with leaders such as MB Patil, Priyank Kharge, and Satish Jarkiholi emerging as possible contenders.
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has clarified that no formal proposal regarding the new cabinet has yet reached the party leadership. He said decisions on ministers, deputy chief ministers and other key appointments will be taken after consultations following the swearing-in ceremony. Kharge also indicated that cabinet expansion may take place in phases and confirmed that the party is searching for a suitable successor to Shivakumar as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.