Karnataka Cabinet's All-Male Composition Sparks Criticism

Karnataka's latest legislative session, commencing August 13, is marked by the state's first recent all-male Cabinet. This development follows extensive negotiations over ministerial appointments and portfolio distribution, with considerable focus on caste and regional balance. The omission of women from the 33-member government has been noted, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stating there was "no urgency" regarding female inclusion, though he indicated a vacant position might be filled by a woman. Gayathri Shanthegowda, initially on the Congress high command's approved list, was not sworn in amidst competing demands.

The situation contrasts with the national Congress party's advocacy for 33% women's reservation and state-level initiatives like the Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti schemes, designed for women's empowerment. Critics argue this indicates a prioritization of women as voters over their inclusion in political power structures.

A network of feminists and women's rights groups, 'Naveddu Nilladiddare,' communicated to the Chief Minister that the all-male Cabinet represents a deliberate political choice, signaling that women and their leadership are deemed expendable in state governance. While protests have occurred regarding the exclusion of certain male leaders based on caste, region, or seniority, public outcry against the absence of women in the Cabinet has been minimal. Some limited protests were reported in Belagavi concerning Lakshmi Hebbalkar's non-inclusion, but these did not address the broader issue of female representation. The lack of Brahmin representation in the Cabinet reportedly garnered more attention than the exclusion of women.

Background

Historically, women's political representation in Karnataka has been limited. In the 2023 Assembly elections, only 10 women were elected out of 185 female candidates, constituting approximately 4.5% of the Assembly. Earlier elections in 1957 and 1962 saw higher percentages of women's representation at 6.25% and 8.65%, respectively.