Shivakumar’s council of ministers could have fewer Vokkaligas

Bengaluru: Rather than increase, the elevation of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar as Karnataka’s chief minister-elect could see the number of ministers from the Vokkaliga community shrink compared to Siddaramaiah’s council of ministers.Functionaries say Shivakumar’s appointment could complicate efforts to balance ministerial representation among key communities, especially the politically influential Vokkaliga community, to which he belongs.In Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, Vokkaligas, , including Shivakumar, held six ministerial positions. The cabinet also had eight Lingayats, two Kurubas, six Scheduled Caste representatives, three Scheduled Tribe members, two from Other Backward Classes, two Muslims, three members from smaller communities and a Christian.Congress functionaries are wary since reduced Vokkaliga representation could create an opportunity for JD(S) to regain political ground in the Old Mysuru region, despite Congress having elevated a prominent Vokkaliga to the top post.Shivakumar, who hails from Bengaluru Rural district, must also navigate regional aspirations since he is expected to receive demands from Vokkaligas in Mandya, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kolar, Hassan, Chikkaballapur and Chikkamagaluru districts.Sources say other changes could complicate the balancing exercise. They point to the possibility of senior functionary KH Muniyappa, who represents Bengaluru Rural and belongs to the Scheduled Caste (Left) community, vacating his ministerial berth in favour of his daughter, Roopa Shashidhar, who represents Kolar. Such a move could affect the prospects of MC Sudhakar, Vokkaliga MLA from Kolkar, who may be dropped to accommodate Sharath Bacchegowda from Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural district.“However, there is a challenge here as the CM-elect himself is from Bengaluru Rural district and his confidante, HC Balakrishna is also in the race for a ministerial berth,” said a Congress MLA.Sources say Shivakumar will also face pressure to identify a Vokkaliga representative from Mysuru district who is perceived as politically independent of outgoing CM Siddaramaiah.At the same time, Congress functionaries are wary of reducing representation for Ahinda groups — a social coalition of minorities, backward classes and Dalits that forms a crucial part of the party’s support base. Any reduction in ministerial positions allotted to these communities and the party could face consequences in the 2028 elections.Similarly, reducing the Lingayat quota in the cabinet may carry political risks, given the community’s strong influence across several north Karnataka districts. Some functionaries believe the situation could ease if former minister Satish Jarkiholi is appointed KPCC president. Such a move, they argue, could create greater flexibility in accommodating Ahinda representation.However, political analyst Sandeep Shastri said the challenge confronting Shivakumar is far from unique.“In the recent past there has been an increased need for a rainbow coalition of social groups,” he said. “With Shivakumar himself being a Vokkaliga there will be a need to introduce deputy CMs and a new KPCC president to balance the other social groups.”Shastry said regional aspirations would also need to be addressed. “It is a fine balancing act,” he said.Those who may make it