Bengaluru, June 2 -- With the leadership transition in Karnataka Congress now virtually complete, attention has shifted to the formation of the new state cabinet under Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar. While the power-sharing arrangement between outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar appears to have been executed smoothly, the next major challenge before the Congress high command is striking a balance in the composition of the new ministry.

For months, speculation over a leadership change had dominated Karnataka politics. However, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly projected unity before and after the transition, seeking to reassure party workers and legislators that the government remains stable and unit...