Her induction into the state Cabinet comes as a surprise, especially as all five MLAs from Chikkamagaluru district missed out on ministerial positions.

Gayatri Shanthegowda won the Legislative Council election after a prolonged legal battle, defeating Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Pranesh by a margin of nine votes. Significantly, she has been inducted into the Cabinet before formally taking oath as a member of the Legislative Council, marking a major milestone in her political career.

Political journey

Born on April 2, 1963, in Arkalgud of Hassan district, Gayatri Shanthegowda completed her education up to the Pre-University level. Belonging to the Kuruba community, she has been active in politics for several years.

She has contested the Legislative Council elections from the Local Authorities' Constituency three times and has won twice. She also served as the President of the District Panchayat, adding significant administrative experience to her political career.

Gayatri Shanthegowda, who lives with her husband Shanthegowda, a son and a daughter, received a warm welcome from Congress workers after her induction into the Karnataka Cabinet. The announcement has generated enthusiasm among party workers, with celebrations reported across Chikkamagaluru district.

Five Congress MLAs miss out

Despite the Congress holding all five Assembly constituencies in Chikkamagaluru district, none of the district's MLAs found a place in the expanded Cabinet.

Senior leaders, including Tarikere MLA G.S. Srinivasa and Sringeri MLA T.D. Rajegowda, were overlooked. Mudigere MLA Nayana Motamma, who was considered a strong aspirant for a ministerial berth, also missed out.

Instead, the party chose Legislative Council member Gayatri Shanthegowda for the Cabinet, making her the district's representative in the ministry.