19 Ministers Inducted into Karnataka Cabinet

On 3 August 2026, 19 MLAs were sworn in as ministers in the first expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet led by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers in a State is headed by the Chief Minister under Article 164 of the Constitution of India. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers, and they hold office during the Governor’s pleasure.

Cabinet Strength and Composition

After the expansion, the Karnataka ministry reached 33 members, with one berth remaining vacant against the sanctioned strength of 34, including the Chief Minister. The new ministry includes seven ministers from the Lingayat community, six Vokkaligas, seven Scheduled Caste ministers, three Scheduled Tribe ministers, and four ministers from the Muslim community.

Political Background of the Expansion

D. K. Shivakumar assumed office on 3 June 2026 after Siddaramaiah resigned as Chief Minister on 28 May 2026. The change in leadership took place under an internal Congress power-sharing arrangement.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Governor of a State administers the oath of office and secrecy to ministers under the Constitution of India.
• The maximum size of a State Council of Ministers is 15% of the strength of the Legislative Assembly under the 91st Constitutional Amendment.
• The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has 224 elected members.
• A State Cabinet is part of the executive branch and functions under the parliamentary system of government.

Names in the New Ministry

Among the inducted ministers were P. M. Narendraswamy, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Rudrappa Lamani, K. S. Basavanthappa, B. Nagendra, T. Raghumurthy, B. Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rizwan Arshad, Santosh Lad, Madhu Bangarappa, Putturangashetty, and S. S. Mallikarjun. Congress MLA Yashwanthrayagouda Patil resigned from the Assembly on 3 August 2026 after being excluded from the ministry.