'Karnataka Will Have Woman Minister': DK Shivakumar After 'Technical Issues' Leave Out Gayathri Shantegowda
'Karnataka Will Have Woman Minister': DK Shivakumar After 'Technical Issues' Leave Out Gayathri Shantegowda Published By Last Updated: August 03, 2026, 21:25 IST The chief
'Karnataka Will Have Woman Minister': DK Shivakumar After 'Technical Issues' Leave Out Gayathri Shantegowda Published By Last Updated: August 03, 2026, 21:25 IST The chief minister said "technical issues" led to Gayathri Shantegowda missing the cabinet swearing-in and urged disappointed Congress leaders to remain patient. After Gayathri Shantegowda missed the Karnataka cabinet swearing-in, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar cited "technical issues" and assured that a woman would be inducted into the ministry. (IMAGE: PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday assured that the state would have a woman minister despite MLC Gayathri Shantegowda missing out on the cabinet expansion, attributing her omission to “technical issues". “There were some technical issues. We will ensure there is a woman in the cabinet.
That has always been there," Shivakumar told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony. His remarks came after Gayathri Shantegowda, who was widely expected to be the lone woman inducted into the expanded ministry, was left out of the final list of 19 ministers who took oath on Monday. The omission triggered speculation within the Congress and drew criticism from the opposition, with the BJP accusing the ruling party of failing to ensure women’s representation despite flagship schemes such as Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti. Shivakumar, however, sought to calm growing discontent within the Congress, appealing to leaders who missed out on ministerial berths to remain patient. “I request all my friends to be patient. We will try to accommodate everyone. We care for everyone," he said.
The chief minister also dismissed speculation of a rift within the party following former chief minister Siddaramaiah’s absence from the swearing-in ceremony. “Today was his birthday. There were several people waiting to meet him. We are one team. I am also from his camp and admirer. All of us have decided the list together," Shivakumar said. Earlier in the day, Gayathri Shantegowda expressed disappointment over being left out despite expecting to take oath. “My name was on the High Command’s list. I was supposed to take oath today, but it did not happen. Naturally, I am disappointed," she had said, adding that she did not know why her name was omitted from the final list. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18.
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