K'taka cabinet reshuffle: CM reallocates Planning and Statistics portfolio to K Venkatesh; retains other key dept

In a minor reshuffle of the Karnataka state cabinet, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has shifted the Planning and Statistics portfolio from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Cabinet Minister K. Venkatesh. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue to hold several key portfolios, including Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Intelligence, Information, Youth Services, Sports, ST Welfare, and Co-operation (excluding Agriculture Marketing). He also retains all other unallocated portfolios, as per the notification.

Minister K. Venkatesh, who currently handles Animal Husbandry and Sericulture, has been given the additional responsibility of the Planning and Statistics department. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Affairs and Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) Secretariat, the change takes effect immediately.

The official notification, dated May 24, 2026, stated that the modification was made under Article 166(3) of the Constitution of India, acting on the advice of the Chief Minister. The notification was published in a special issue of the Karnataka Gazette on Monday, May 25, 2026.

It was issued by order and in the name of the Governor by Banadarangaiah N.R., Under Secretary to the Government, D.P.A.R (State Protocol). This redistribution marks a strategic adjustment within the Siddaramaiah-led administration, entrusting the key Planning and Statistics department to Venkatesh while the Chief Minister continues to oversee major governance and security portfolios.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today confirmed that he has been invited to New Delhi for a meeting with the Congress leadership on Tuesday at 11 am, adding that he was not aware of the agenda of the discussions amid renewed political speculation in the state. "I have been invited to Delhi. There is a meeting tomorrow at 11 AM; I do not know the agenda. Mr Venugopal called me to inform me about the date and time of the meeting," Siddaramaiah told the reporters after holding a press conference.

State Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, however, is unlikely to attend the same meeting. When questioned on being summoned to Delhi, DK Shivakumar said, "I will go if called." (ANI)

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