AICC has approved the induction of 20 legislators into the Karnataka Cabinet, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru
The Congress high command has approved the Karnataka Cabinet expansion, clearing the induction of 20 legislators into the state ministry. The official communication issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal confirmed the list of ministers and key legislative appointments. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru at 4 pm on August 3.
Bengaluru: The Congress leadership has approved the proposal for the Karnataka Cabinet expansion, paving the way for the induction of 20 legislators into the Siddaramaiah-led government. The approval was conveyed through an official letter issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
According to the communication dated August 3, 2026 (Today), the Congress President also approved appointments for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, along with the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new ministers is scheduled to be held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru at 4 pm.
Karnataka Cabinet Expansion 2026 List of New Ministers
The following leaders have been approved for induction into the Karnataka Cabinet:
- 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
- Puttarangashetty
- S.S. Mallikarjun
- Dr. Ajay Singh
- N. Cheluvarayaswamy
- K.M. Shivalinge Gowda
- H.C. Balakrishna
- Gayathri Shanthegowda
- Basavaraj Rayareddy
- Vijayanand Kashappanavar
- Laxman Savadi
Political Background of Key Ministers
H.C. Balakrishna
Magadi MLA H.C. Balakrishna has been elected to the Karnataka Assembly five times. He began his political career with the BJP in 1994 before joining the JD(S). He later joined the Congress in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL).
Shivaraj Tangadagi
Kanakagiri MLA Shivaraj Tangadagi is a B.Sc graduate and three-time legislator. He entered the Assembly as an Independent in 2008, later served in the BJP government, and joined the Congress before the 2013 Assembly elections. He has handled the Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Welfare portfolios.
Santosh Lad
Kalghatagi MLA Santosh Lad is a commerce graduate and four-time MLA. He entered electoral politics through the JD(S) before joining the Congress in 2007. He has previously served as Labour Minister.
Basavaraj Rayareddy
Yelburga MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy is a six-time legislator and former Member of Parliament. He was associated with the Janata Dal and Janata Dal (United) before joining the Congress. He has previously served as Higher Education Minister and Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister.
B. Nagendra
Ballari Rural MLA B. Nagendra is a B.Com graduate and four-time legislator. He was elected as an Independent in 2008, later joined the BJP and subsequently the Congress. He has earlier held the Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Youth Empowerment and Sports portfolios.
N. Cheluvarayaswamy
Nagamangala MLA N. Cheluvarayaswamy has served four terms in the Assembly and one term in the Lok Sabha. After beginning his career in the JD(S), he joined the Congress and has served as Agriculture Minister.
Rudrappa Lamani
Haveri (SC) MLA Rudrappa Lamani is a B.A., LL.B graduate and a three-time Congress legislator. He has served as Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and previously handled the Textiles and Muzrai portfolios.
T. Raghumurthy
Challakere (ST) MLA T. Raghumurthy, an engineer by profession, resigned from government service to enter politics through the Congress. He has won three consecutive Assembly elections and has previously served as the chairman of a state corporation.
Ajay Singh
Jewargi MLA Dr. Ajay Singh, son of former Chief Minister Dharam Singh, has represented the constituency for three consecutive terms and joins the Cabinet from Kalaburagi district.
Vijayanand Kashappanavar
Hunagunda MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar has been active in the Congress organisation and has been associated with several social and environmental initiatives. He has received the Indira Gandhi National Service Award for his public service.
Gayathri Shanthegowda
MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda previously served as President of the Chikkamagaluru Zilla Panchayat. She has been elected twice to the Legislative Council from the Local Authorities constituency and joins the Cabinet as a woman representative.
Rizwan Arshad
Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad is a B.Com graduate who began his political career through the NSUI. He was elected MLA in the 2019 by-election after contesting two Lok Sabha elections from Bengaluru Central. He now joins the state Cabinet representing Bengaluru.
S.S. Mallikarjun
Davanagere MLA S.S. Mallikarjun is a four-time legislator and the son of senior Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa. He has previously served as Minister for Youth Services, Horticulture and Mines and returns to the Cabinet.
The Cabinet expansion follows the approval communicated by the Congress high command, with ministers expected to take the oath today afternoon.
Legislative Appointments Approved
The AICC has also approved the following legislative appointments:
- Speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly: G.S. Patil
- Deputy Speaker: A.S. Ponnanna
- Chairperson, Legislative Council: Saleem Ahmed
- Deputy Chairperson, Legislative Council: Umashree
The appointments will take effect after the completion of the prescribed constitutional and legislative procedures.
