BENGALURU, Aug. 4 -- Karnataka's expanded Congress Cabinet took shape on Monday without a woman minister after Gayathri Shanthegowda, the only woman included in the list approved by the party leadership, was left out before the swearing-in ceremony.

Shanthegowda's exclusion became the most notable change in the final composition. Those familiar with the development said Gayathri, a Kuruba leader, was kept out after former chief minister Siddaramaiah raised concerns that he had not been consulted on the appointment.

Siddaramaiah was absent from the oath-taking ceremony, however, the Cabinet's regional distribution reflected his continuing influence, particularly in Old Mysuru.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra questioned the Congress ov...