Basavaraj Shivannavar sidelined in Karnataka cabinet expansion

Shivannavar confirmed that Siddaramaiah had pushed for his inclusion until the final moments of the selection process. According to the MLA, neither the former Chief Minister nor the current party leadership in the state had full visibility into the final decisions, which originated from the central party hierarchy. While he remains confident in the leadership, Shivannavar has rejected the prospect of accepting alternative government positions, stating he will focus solely on his duties as an MLA. He also revealed that he had prepared a resignation letter during the selection period, though Siddaramaiah advised him to remain in his current role.

The exclusion of senior leaders has created friction within the Congress ranks. In Haveri, hundreds of supporters marched from the Murugharajendra Mutt to Mailar Mahadevappa Circle, demanding that Shivannavar receive a ministerial berth. Protesters argue that the MLA, a prominent figure from the Kuruba community, has faced unfair treatment in the distribution of portfolios. This unrest follows a broader cabinet expansion that saw 20 new ministers sworn in by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Lok Bhavan, bringing the total ministry size to its maximum limit of 34. Several veteran politicians were notably passed over, fueling ongoing internal debate regarding regional equity and community representation in the state government.