Kelachandra Joseph George

K. J. George was born on 24 November 1947 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He completed his education in Bengaluru and became actively involved in student politics and public life at a young age. Over the years, he developed a strong grassroots network that helped him emerge as a significant political leader in the state capital.

George joined the Indian National Congress and gradually rose through the party ranks. His organizational abilities and long association with Bengaluru politics enabled him to build a durable political base and establish himself as one of the Congress party's most influential leaders in urban Karnataka.

He entered the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and went on to serve multiple terms as an MLA. Throughout his political career, he handled a range of responsibilities within the party and government, gaining a reputation as an experienced administrator and strategist.

During the Siddaramaiah government from 2013 to 2018, George served as Karnataka's Home Minister. He later held portfolios such as Food & Civil Supplies, Bengaluru Development, and Energy in subsequent Congress administrations. His ministerial tenures focused on governance, infrastructure development, and public service delivery.

Following the Congress victory in 2023, he was inducted into the Karnataka Cabinet and entrusted with the Energy portfolio.

On 3 June 2026, George took the oath as a Cabinet Minister for Energy and Tourism in the D. K. Shivakumar-led government, continuing his long-standing role in Karnataka's political and administrative affairs.

He was subsequently inducted as the Minister for Energy and Tourism following the allocation of portfolios.