Cabinet reshuffle: Can Kerala model help Congress manage two camps as DK Shivakumar takes over?

D.K. Shivakumar is preparing to take oath as Karnataka’s next Chief Minister after an agreement for Siddaramaiah to step down.

As the state readies for the leadership transition, Congress leaders in New Delhi are discussing the structure of the new government. Party leaders are considering a mixed approach, with many pointing to the model recently adopted by Congress in Kerala.

Kerala model under consideration

The comparison with Kerala centres on the idea of a simultaneous start for the new administration.

In Kerala, the Chief Minister and the entire cabinet were sworn in together. Rahul Gandhi is reportedly keen to replicate a similar arrangement in Karnataka so the government can begin functioning immediately.

When Congress formed its government in Kerala, it sought to balance experienced leaders with younger faces.

The Kerala experience is also being viewed as an example of internal power-sharing. Although V.D. Satheesan became the leader, most cabinet positions reportedly went to leaders considered loyal to his rival, K.C. Venugopal.

A similar situation exists in Karnataka. While Shivakumar is expected to assume the top post, nearly two-thirds of the state's legislators are reportedly seen as loyal to Siddaramaiah.

Push for younger leadership

A major reshuffle is expected as the party looks to promote leaders under the age of 50.

The move could affect several senior politicians. Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Energy Minister K.J. George and Home Minister G. Parameshwara are reportedly among those being assessed as the party considers making way for younger leaders.

Some senior figures, however, argue that government administration requires experienced ministers alongside new entrants to ensure continuity.

The final cabinet is expected to be a "healthy mixture", with around 15 current ministers potentially retained. The remaining positions could be filled by newcomers, with the cabinet's full strength standing at 34.

Factional balance remains key challenge

The main point of contention remains the distribution of cabinet positions between rival camps.

Siddaramaiah is seeking to protect his "AHINDA" coalition — comprising minorities, backward classes and Dalits — by ensuring loyalists retain key ministries.

He has reportedly backed allies such as M.B. Patil and G. Parameshwara for Deputy Chief Minister positions.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar's camp and the Congress high command are considering a more balanced arrangement. One option under discussion is limiting the number of Deputy Chief Ministers to two, representing the Lingayat and Dalit communities.

Demands are also emerging from other groups. Legislators from Kolar district have sought three cabinet berths, while supporters of Eshwar Khandre are lobbying for his elevation to a deputy chief ministerial role.

Congress now faces the challenge of accommodating competing interests while ensuring the new government gets off to a swift start.